The main purpose of an excerpt in literature generally revolves around themes such as survival, realization, and human vulnerability, developed through conflict and character growth. Twain's excerpt specifically deals with the pressures of meeting expectations and the ensuing self-doubt, illustrating the subtleties of such experiences. Peer reviews and revisions serve to reinforce these themes and clarify the author's intent.
The student's question regarding the main purpose of the excerpt seems to deal with themes and character developments within a narrative. In analyzing excerpts from literature, it's important to consider how the text supports the author's intent and the thematic elements present within the narrative.
The excerpts provided highlight the authors' focus on various situations, such as a challenging train ride, reflection on individual strength and perceived invulnerability, the horrors witnessed during war, or the misadventure from Twain's personal experience.
As each snippet conveys a different scenario, the author's main purpose might range from illustrating the harrowing experiences and their impact on survival, showcasing the characters' realizations and growth, or reflecting on nature's overwhelming force in contrast to human frailty.
For instance, in Twain's piece, the main theme involves the challenge of meeting expectations under pressure, which is developed through the conflict of him having to run a river crossing while dealing with self-doubt induced by external factors.
Through these narrative strategies, authors can convey complex ideas such as the impact of traumatic experiences, the vulnerability of humans amidst catastrophe, and the humility one may gain through confronting their own limitations.
Peer reviews and revisions suggested, like circling unnecessary details or underlining parts where more vivid details are needed, help further enhance the storytelling and underscore the narrative's main points. Through this careful examination of the text, one can better understand the author's purpose and the story's deeper meaning.