Question

she stopped for a moment beside one of the prickly dark shrubs with which the city had beautified the home, and then proceeded serenely toward the building, which was of whitewashed brick and reflected the winter sunlight like a block of ice. as she walked cautiously 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. beautified the home
b. remove her mittens
c. up the steps
d. a block of ice

Explanation:

• Option A refers to beautifying a space, which has a neutral to positive tone, not dark or foreboding.
• Option B describes a mundane, practical action with no mood-altering, dark connotations.
• Option C is a simple movement detail that does not evoke a dark, ominous feeling.
• Option D compares the building to "a block of ice," which evokes coldness, sterility, and an unwelcoming, ominous atmosphere that fits a dark and foreboding mood.

Answer:

D. a block of ice