Question

select the correct answer.
read this excerpt from \the open boat\ by stephen crane:
it is fair to say here that there was not a lifesaving station within twenty miles in either direction, but the men did not know this fact and in consequence they made dark and opprobrious remarks concerning the eyesight of the nations lifesavers. four scowling men sat in the dinghy and surpassed records in the invention of epithets.
what is the meaning of the word opprobrious within the context of the excerpt?
a. forcefully convincing
b. marked by resourcefulness
c. expressing criticism or contempt
d. restful or relieved

Explanation:

The excerpt describes men in a dinghy making harsh remarks about lifesavers, as they are unaware there is no nearby station. The word "opprobrious" is paired with "dark remarks" and the men invent harsh epithets, which aligns with critical, contemptuous language. The other options do not fit this context: "forcefully convincing" (A) refers to persuasion, "marked by resourcefulness" (B) refers to ingenuity, and "restful or relieved" (D) refers to calm, none of which match the men's angry, critical tone.

Answer:

C. expressing criticism or contempt