What does the narrator mean in saying, “there was considerable difficulty in inducing Oliver to take upon himself the office of respiration”?

i don't know sorry i cannot read a novel in 30 min.

explanation:

but just in case i think the answer is b.

"it's more of an essay than story, but perhaps it is best described as a mood-piece: it uses a lot of musical imagery, not to mention sea imagery, religious imagery, and any other imagery that suits his purpose."

“way of writing” should be replaced with “writing style"

“idea” should be replaced with “purpose.”

maybe   “people from a long time ago” should be replaced with “elizabethans.”