Question

the author acknowledges that he feels a sense of gratitude toward stickeen. how does he develop this central idea?by explaining the assurances that stickeen would be an intelligent companionby describing the passion for adventures that he shared with stickeenby explaining stickeens independence as a source of his own envy toward the dogby describing the ways that stickeen impressed him throughout their time together

Explanation:

This question refers to John Muir's Stickeen, where the author develops his gratitude for the dog Stickeen by recounting specific moments and actions during their shared journey that showed Stickeen's courage, resilience, and companionship, which left a lasting, positive impression on him. The other options do not align: the text does not focus on pre-adventure assurances of intelligence, shared adventure passion as the core of gratitude, or envy of independence.

Answer:

by describing the ways that Stickeen impressed him throughout their time together