Final answer:
The passage contributes to thematic development by showing the character's internal conflict and highlighting the theme of self-reliance. Through analysis of the symbolic elements and dialogue, readers can infer the author's deeper message about life and humanity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage contributes to the thematic development of the story by showcasing the internal conflict of the main character, accentuating the author's intentions. Through the White family, the author provides a fresh perspective on a universal theme by integrating family dynamics, which serve to reinforce the conflict and themes of self-reliance and doubt. This internal conflict enhances the reader's interest and allows the author, Mark Twain, to convey his message: the importance of relying on one's knowledge and training rather than succumbing to self-doubt.
Thematic development, often a vital aspect of literature, is the unifying idea behind a story that links plot points, conflicts, and characters to a broader idea. The conflict in the passage serves as a means to develop this theme and illustrate the message. By examining how these elements interact, readers gain a deeper understanding of the larger work.
Authors convey themes through various techniques, including symbolism, motifs, and dialogue between characters. By analyzing these elements, such as the symbolism of colors like white, grey, and green mentioned in the text, readers can infer deeper meanings and authors' intents. The purpose of analyzing literature is to uncover these themes, to ask 'So what?' about the text's message, and to consider how it reflects on humanity or life. This analysis often leads to a strong thesis, like the one derived from Gwendolyn Brooks's poem 'We Real Cool.'