Question

1. which meaning of sobering most closely matches its meaning in the following passage (paragraphs 26 - 27)? and a great cheer that swept the whole length of the town from the post - office to black bayou went up. bravo! every boat was coming in. but - was every man? this was a sobering thought, and in the hush which followed it you could hear the q. and c. train thundering over the great lake - bridge, miles away. a. adjective | not intoxicated or drunk b. adjective | marked by seriousness, gravity, and solemnity c. adjective | free from excess or extravagance d. adjective | showing self - control

Explanation:

In the passage, the thought that not every man may be coming back while boats are arriving creates a serious and solemn mood. The word "sobering" here describes this serious and grave - natured thought, not related to being not drunk, free from excess, or showing self - control.

Answer:

B. adjective | marked by seriousness, gravity, and solemnity