Final answer:
The phrase 'hoping for a few scraps of food' serves as a descriptive element that evokes the dire economic and social conditions of the individuals described, invoking the reader's sympathy and painting a vivid picture of hardship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase hoping for a few scraps of food in the first sentence functions as a descriptive phrase that adds detail to the actions of the described individuals. It sets a scene of desperation and need, highlighting the plight of those less fortunate who are in search for sustenance. This phrase may appear in a broader context of literature or historical discussion on poverty, depicting the hardships faced by individuals during times of economic depression, famine, or social neglect. The stark imagery of people being reduced to hoping for scraps exemplifies their dire situation and can serve to evoke sympathy in the reader while painting a vivid picture of social conditions.