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バックパッカーの孤独と離婚、そして新たなコミュニケーション」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

For years, David had lived a life dictated by adventure. A seasoned backpacker, he traversed continents, his life a tapestry woven with breathtaking landscapes and fleeting encounters. He cherished the freedom of the open road, the anonymity of being a stranger in a strange land. He documented his journeys meticulously, filling countless notebooks with vivid descriptions and breathtaking sketches. His marriage, however, suffered from this relentless pursuit of the unknown. His wife, Sarah, craved stability and connection, a stark contrast to David's nomadic existence. They tried, of course; countless conversations peppered with compromises and concessions. But the chasm between their desires proved insurmountable. The distance, both physical and emotional, widened with each passing year, culminating in an amicable but heartbreaking divorce. The divorce, while initially painful, oddly liberated David. The solitude on the trail, once a source of comfort, now felt heavy, tinged with loneliness. The vibrant landscapes, once sources of inspiration, now reflected his internal emptiness. He found himself reaching out, not to distant peaks, but to old friends, colleagues, and even his estranged family. These connections, fragile at first, gradually deepened. He rediscovered the importance of genuine human interaction, of shared meals and meaningful conversations. He even reconnected with Sarah, exchanging emails, initially stilted, then blossoming into a respectful friendship. Their communication was no longer defined by unmet expectations or resentments, but by mutual respect and understanding. This renewed focus on relationships prompted David to embark on a new type of journey. He began leading small backpacking groups, sharing his expertise and passion while building profound connections with people from diverse backgrounds. These group experiences were a far cry from his solitary wanderings. He found immense satisfaction in guiding others, sharing stories, and listening to their own adventures. The loneliness he had felt was gradually replaced by a sense of belonging and purpose. He learned that true fulfillment didn’t lie solely in the pursuit of individual adventure, but in the weaving together of many lives, a testament to the transformative power of communication and connection. The backpack, still his trusted companion, now symbolized not just freedom, but the shared journey of life.

1. What is the main theme of the passage?

2. How did David’s perspective on his backpacking trips change after his divorce?

3. What does the backpack symbolize for David at the end of the passage?

4. Which of the following best describes the relationship between David and Sarah after the divorce?

5. What new type of journey did David undertake after his renewed focus on relationships?