Question

What does “a ‘break’ that ripples above some malady” mean in “two ways of looking at a river”

Answer 1

Answer:

“A break’ that ripples above some malady” is a figurative expression that means that behind the visible physical beauty lies some unimaginable ugliness. The attraction that is beheld may be a mighty covering of some underlying problems.  It is therefore useless to rely on some physical appearances.  Look deep and make your decisions in your thoughts. Never cast your net based on what you see, but based on your inner thinking.

Explanation:

"Two ways of looking at a river" was a reflection on Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain (1883).  In it he captured his personal experiences with the river.  The first was the period when he had not discovered the waters, when he was filled with admiration and wonder.  The second period was when he had experienced the full force of the river, with its sometimes dangerous tides.  In life, there are always more than more perception of events and things.  Never run away with the first, because it is not the only view of life.