Question

read the sentences from walden by henry david thoreau.

the greater part of what my neighbors call good i believe in my soul to be bad, and if i repent of anything, it is very likely to be my good behavior. what demon possessed me that i behaved so well?

which option most effectively explains the meaning of the figure of speech used in this excerpt?

○ thoreau feels out of place in the company of others.
○ thoreau is happiest in the company of others.
○ thoreau enjoys ridiculing the opinions of others.
○ thoreau regrets conforming to the expectations of others.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the excerpt: Thoreau says most of what neighbors call good he believes is bad, and he might repent his "good behavior". The phrase "What demon possessed me that I behaved so well?" implies he feels his good behavior (conforming to others' views of good) was a mistake.
2. Evaluate options:

• Option 1: The excerpt is about his view on "good" behavior, not feeling out of place in company. Eliminate.
• Option 2: The tone is regretful about good behavior, not happiness in company. Eliminate.
• Option 3: He questions his own good behavior, not ridiculing others' opinions. Eliminate.
• Option 4: His regret about behaving well (conforming to others' expectations of good) matches.

Answer:

D. Thoreau regrets conforming to the expectations of others.