Read the excerpt from the end of paragraph two of “Economy” from Walden . As for the rest of my readers, they will accept such portions as apply to them. I trust that none will stretch the seams in putting on the coat, for it may do good service to him whom it fits. How does this imagery illustrate Thoreau’s message to readers?
Answer
A
It makes readers think more deeply about the fashions that are popular in society, such as coats.
B
It suggests that adopting the philosophy in the essay should be as comfortable as putting on a well-tailored coat.
C
It suggests that the philosophy provided in the essay is as easily forgotten as an old coat.
D
It makes readers more comfortable with the idea of reading the essay if they can view it as if it were their own words.
Explanation
Thoreau compares his ideas to a coat that readers should wear only if it fits them. The image suggests that readers can take up the parts of his philosophy that suit their lives, just as a well-fitting coat is comfortable and useful. Choice B best captures this idea; the passage is not mainly about fashion or forgetting ideas.
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