Read the excerpt from Walden . Hardly a man takes a half-hour’s nap after dinner, but when he wakes he holds up his head and asks, “What’s the news?” as if the rest of mankind had stood his sentinels [soldiers]. Which best describes the “man” Thoreau refers to in the excerpt?
Answer
A
He expects others to attend to his needs when he wakes up.
B
He naps often and is always sleepy.
C
He is under constant protection by soldiers.
D
He must have the most up-to-date news at all times.
Explanation
The man wakes from a short nap and immediately asks, “What’s the news?” Thoreau’s comparison to others standing sentry suggests the man expects the world to keep watch and report events while he sleeps. This describes someone who wants the latest news at all times, not someone literally protected by soldiers.
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