Question

the japanese quince by john galsworthy as mr. nilson, well known in the city, opened the window of his dressing room on campden hill, he experienced a peculiar sweetish sensation in the back of his throat, and a feeling of emptiness just under his fifth rib. hooking the window back, he noticed that a little tree in the square gardens had come out in blossom, and that the thermometer stood at sixty. perfect morning, he thought;spring at last! resuming some meditations on the price of tintos, he took up an ivory - backed hand glass and scrutinized his face. his firm, well - coloured cheeks, with their neat brown moustaches, and his round, well - opened, clear grey eyes, wore a reassuring appearance of good health. putting on his black frock coat, he went downstairs. in the dining room his morning paper was laid out on the sideboard. mr. nilson had scarcely taken it in his hand when he again became aware of that strange feeling. somewhat concerned, he went to the french window and descended the scrolled iron steps into the fresh air. a cuckoo clock struck mohammad how does the first paragraph affect the plot of \the japanese quince\? a it sets up the blossom tree as an important symbol. b it shows how the characters respond to change. c it sets up that something is odd about the day. d it shows the daily routine of the characters.

Explanation:

The first paragraph introduces Mr. Nilson's unusual physical sensations (sweetish throat, emptiness under his rib) alongside a seemingly perfect spring morning. This contrast establishes that the day is not entirely normal, setting up a sense of unease that drives the plot's focus on his odd feeling. Option A is incorrect because the tree is not framed as a symbol here; option B is wrong as no character response to change is shown; option D is incorrect because the odd sensations break the feel of a routine day.

Answer:

C. It sets up that something is odd about the day.