Question

Read the passages, then answer the question below.

Passage 2

Author A's Perspective: From "The River's Gift"

The river flowed like a silver ribbon through the valley, its waters a mirror for the sky's dreams. To the villagers, it was a mother, nurturing their crops and quenching their thirst. They sang its praises, their voices rising like birds at dawn. But one day, a factory rose on its banks, its smokestacks coughing black clouds. The river's song grew faint, its waters murky. Yet the villagers believed it could heal, as it always had, like a phoenix rising from ashes. They cleaned its banks, and slowly, the river's sparkle returned, a testament to their faith.

Author B's Perspective: From "The Cost of Progress"

The river was a tool, nothing more -- a vein of water to power the valley's growth. The factory brought jobs, money, and progress, its hum a heartbeat of a new era. Sure, the river turned gray, its fish vanished, but that was the price of change. Why mourn a stream when you could have wealth? The villagers' efforts to clean it were futile, like trying to hold back time. Progress always wins, and the river would bend to its will, as all things do.

How do Author A and Author B differ in their perspectives on the river? Use text evidence to support your response.

Your response should be at least 3 sentences long.

(3 points)

1 answer

Author A and Author B present contrasting perspectives on the river and its significance to the villagers. Author A views the river as a nurturing force, describing it poetically as "a mother" that "quenching their thirst" and representing hope with the metaphor of a "phoenix rising from ashes." In stark contrast, Author B sees the river merely as a resource, stating it is "a tool, nothing more," and emphasizes the economic benefits of the factory, even acknowledging the river's degradation as "the price of change." This divergence highlights Author A's belief in environmental renewal and care, while Author B prioritizes progress and economic growth at the expense of the river's health.