Question

she stopped for a moment beside one of the prickly dark shrubs with which the city had beautified the home, and then proceeded slowly toward the building, which was of whitewashed brick and reflected the winter sunlight like a block of ice. as she walked vaguely up the steps she shifted the small pot from hand to hand; then she had to set it down and remove her mittens before she could open the heavy door.
— eudora welty, \a visit of charity\
which phrase in the passage from \a visit of charity\ creates a dark and foreboding mood?
a. a block of ice
b. remove her mittens
c. up the steps
d. beautified the home

Explanation:

To determine which phrase creates a dark and foreboding mood, we analyze each option:

• Option A: "a block of ice" evokes coldness, harshness, and an unwelcoming, stark image, which contributes to a dark and foreboding atmosphere.
• Option B: "remove her mittens" is a mundane action and does not create a dark mood.
• Option C: "up the steps" is a neutral action description and does not convey foreboding.
• Option D: "beautified the Home" suggests a positive action and does not create a dark mood.

Answer:

A. a block of ice