Question

Which excerpt from "Going Back to School" adds to the theme that being unhappy in a particular situation can make one feel imprisoned?
a. The boat ploughed on. Now Alcatraz was past And all the grey waves flamed to red again At the dead sun's last glimmer. Far and vast
b. The sky was like a cup some rare wine fills, And stars came as he watched – and he was free
c. With laughter beating in a clamorous tide. . . . Saw once again the heat of harvest fume Up to the empty sky in threads like glass,
d. The ship slowed, jarred and stopped. There, straight ahead, Were dock and fellows. Stumbling, he was whirled Out and away to meet them – and his back

Answer 1

a. The boat ploughed on. Now Alcatraz was past And all the grey waves flamed to red again At the dead sun's last glimmer. Far and vast

This severely  dramatic language in reference to school shows that the author likens going to school as going to prison. Alcatraz is a very famous prison, which strengthen's the mood and comparison.