Question

how does thoreau develop the relationship between work and spiritual loss in this passage?
he shows that labor devoted to property ownership enslaves rather than enriches the human spirit.
he argues that work leads to moral strength and happiness.
he suggests that owning land frees people from economic worry.
he explains that wealth and spiritual life are independent of each other.

Explanation:

To answer this, we analyze Thoreau's views. Thoreau, in his works, critiques the idea that work for property ownership is enriching; instead, he sees it as enslaving the spirit. The second option says work leads to moral strength and happiness, which contradicts his views. The third option about land freeing from economic worry isn't about work - spiritual loss. The fourth option about wealth and spiritual life being independent doesn't match his exploration of their relationship (he shows they are connected negatively here). So the first option aligns with his perspective on work and spiritual loss.

Answer:

A. He shows that labor devoted to property ownership enslaves rather than enriches the human spirit.