Question

Read this passage 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 passage?

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Thoreau regrets conforming to the expectations of others.

Explanation:

The figure of speech he is using is irony - he says that he behaved so well even though he considers that behavior to be bad. His neighbors, or rather the people around him, behave a certain way that Thoreau doesn't really approve of. However, in order to conform, or fit in with the rest of the society, he behaved in the same way they did, which made him disgusted and want to repent after having betrayed his ideals.