The intentionof the authoris to show that even though a person might experience different difficulties along his or her life, with determination and a strong will you can overcome this difficult times and become into a successful person. In addition to that, the author possibly quotes this information in order to establish Hine´s expertise and talent to turn things around, as the title suggests, Hine helped a nation see the light, which implies his contribution for a change during difficult times.
" Literature enhances the adequacy of our ethical reflection and leads to more accepting, tolerant viewpoints as a consequence of readers being faced with an infinite range of characters, cultures and crises that they may not otherwise come into contact with."
* not my words!*
Hope this helps!
An example of ethos taking from "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine is when he mentions that he bases his point of view on simple facts, plain arguments and common sense.
Paine believes that the American colonies should start a war in order to separate from Britain. He uses logos, pathos and ethos to show his point.