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My idea was to disguise myself
as a freeman of peasant degree and wander through
the country a week or two on foot.

Word:

dress

Question:

Why was a disguise necessary?

Answer (optional):

A disguise was necessary because the speaker wanted to understand the everyday life and the impact of laws for the poorest class of free citizens, which could only be done by living among them as an equal. If the speaker was perceived as a gentleman, there would be restraints and conventionalities that would not allow them to fully immerse in and comprehend their lives beyond the surface.