Read the following sentences about the father's boat from "The Third Bank of the River."
"He was very serious about it. It was to be made specially for him, of mimosa wood. It was to be
sturdy enough to last twenty or thirty years and just large enough for one person."
In these sentences, the boat most likely symbolizes
(1 point)
O a sense of freedom.
O a desire for isolation.
O a need for items of luxury.
O a feeling of optimism.
The boat most likely symbolizes a desire for isolation.
Based on the information provided in the sentences, the boat most likely symbolizes a desire for isolation.
To determine what the boat symbolizes, we can analyze the given sentences from "The Third Bank of the River" by João Guimarães Rosa. In this case, the boat's characteristics and the father's attitude towards it provide clues. Let's break it down:
1. "He was very serious about it." This suggests that the boat holds significant importance to the father. It indicates that he has a strong commitment or attachment to this object.
2. "It was to be made specially for him, of mimosa wood." The fact that the boat is customized specifically for the father highlights its personal significance. Mimosa wood, known for its durability and lightness, might imply the father's desire for quality and craftsmanship.
3. "It was to be sturdy enough to last twenty or thirty years." This further emphasizes the father's intention for the boat to endure for a long time. It suggests that he envisions a significant period of use or association with this object.
4. "Just large enough for one person." The boat's size is another crucial detail, indicating that it is designed for solitary use. This suggests a focus on individual experience or solitude.
Based on these details, it is most likely that the boat symbolizes a desire for isolation (option B). The father's seriousness, the custom-made nature of the boat, and its size all point to the idea of seeking solitude or seclusion. It implies the father's yearning for an escape from the world, seeking solace or introspection in his personal space, represented by the boat.