We don't know, we don't have the book. Explain maybe?
No, I don't think it is a rhetorical device
B) Sentence (1) in my opinion. It immediately states the point, and it tell you what the paragraph will be about.
The man fails to consider the possibilities of what might go wrong. He fails to form a connection with nature or even with his dog who is trying to tell him to stop. The man simply sees his destination and is determined to get there. The man's lack of imagination puts him out of sync with the elements around him. This causes him to make crucial mistakes as he goes forward. He does not allow the very probable image of him freezing to death develop in his mind
