Question 2

Place the Lewis and Clark expedition into a broad context

The metaphor in the third sentence emphasizes that the history of the West predates the Lewis and Clark expedition by thousands of years, thus situating their journey within a much larger historical narrative. This highlights the expedition as part of a continuum rather than the starting point of history in the region.

A) Call attention to the age of the United States as a nation

This option is incorrect because the metaphor does not focus on the age of the United States. Instead, it underscores the pre-existing history of the West that existed long before the nation was established, thereby drawing attention away from the United States' age.

B) Question the literary value of the writings by Lewis and Clark

This choice is incorrect as the metaphor does not critique the literary merit of their writings. Rather, it serves to place their accounts within a historical framework, suggesting that while valuable, they do not mark the beginning of history in the West.

C) Trivialize the accomplishments of the Lewis and Clark expedition

This option misinterprets the metaphor's intent. While it suggests that the expedition was not the beginning of Western history, it does not trivialize their accomplishments; instead, it acknowledges them within a broader and richer historical context.

D) Place the Lewis and Clark expedition into a broad context

This choice is correct as it accurately reflects the metaphor's purpose. By stating that the events of the Lewis and Clark expedition occurred within a historical landscape that spans thousands of years, it effectively situates their journey as part of a larger narrative rather than an isolated event.

Conclusion

The correct answer is D, as the metaphor serves to contextualize the Lewis and Clark expedition within the extensive history of the West, illustrating that their exploration was just a moment in a much older story. Other options fail to recognize this broader historical significance, focusing instead on aspects that are not supported by the extract.