Read the given extract.
Which of the following best describes the speaker’s mood before the dust of snow fell on him?
- Joyful
- Angry
- Gloomy
- Curious
Answer written by student:
The correct answer is C. Gloomy
Step-by-Step explanation of the answer:
We can use the following clues from the extract to identify the speaker’s mood:
- The speaker uses words such as “musty”, “gloomy”, and “let down” to describe his surroundings and his feelings. These words have negative connotations and suggest that he was unhappy and dissatisfied with his situation. 😞
- The speaker uses the imagery of a crow and a hemlock tree to symbolize his mood . These are both symbols of death and misfortune , and they create a dark and bleak atmosphere. They also contrast with the dust of snow, which is a symbol of purity, freshness, and joy. 🌨️
- The speaker’s tone is pessimistic and resigned before the dust of snow fell on him. He did not expect anything good or exciting to happen to him, and he felt that his day was ruined. 😐
- Therefore, based on these clues, we can infer that the speaker’s mood before the dust of snow fell on him was gloomy. Gloomy means ‘sad, depressed, or hopeless’. It is the opposite of joyful, which means ‘happy, cheerful, or optimistic’. It is also different from angry, which means ‘furious, irritated, or resentful’, and curious, which means ‘interested, inquisitive, or eager to learn’. 😕
Therefore, the best option that describes the speaker’s mood before the dust of snow fell on him is C. Gloomy. 👍