Iwanted to avoid violence. nonviolence is the first article of my faith. it is also the last article of my creed.

this excerpt from “gandhi defends his beliefs” is important because

It explicitly states Mahatma Gandhi's purpose of achieving freedom through non violence.

Explanation:

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or Mahatma Gandhi as he is popularly known, is the "Father of the Nation" of India. And he is also a consistent and firm believer of the non violent ways of protesting.

India had been under the British rule, with many discrimination on its people. Mahatma Gandhi had been a great believer of the ways to attain the freedom of India. But through it all, he also believes that there is an easy way to make sure that the plight of the Indians is heard but without the need for any fighting or killing. His idea of a non-violent means of protestations gained worldwide acclaim, with future world leaders and activists following in his footsteps. The above excerpt from "Gandhi Defends His Beliefs" explicitly shows his overall purpose of achieving his aim through non-violent means of opposition.  

i think the literacy device is "it's frozen head"

i hope this !

because he wants to address citizens immediate concerns