Which example best displays an anxious mood?
A. The windows sparkled welcomingly as the curtains snapped merrily in the soft breeze of the evening.
B. The doorbell chimed a playful tune, sending a lively sound that reverberated through the lazy household.
C. The sound of the clock striking midnight quivered through the icy hallways, startling the restless house.
D. The afternoon breeze tickled the curtains, causing them to dance to a pleasant song of whispered delight.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. The sound of the clock striking midnight quivered through the icy hallways, startling the restless house.
Explanation:
Anxiety is often associated with heightened sensitivity, restlessness, and a sense of unease. In this example, the language conveys these elements in a way that evokes an anxious mood. Here’s a breakdown of why it fits:
- “The sound of the clock striking midnight”: Midnight, especially in literature, is often a time associated with mystery, danger, or tension. The clock striking midnight suggests a foreboding atmosphere, where time seems to stand still or take on significance. It builds anticipation and a sense of the unknown, which can be a trigger for anxiety.
- “Quivered through the icy hallways”: The word “quivered” suggests a trembling or shaking, often a physical response to fear or unease. The image of icy hallways adds to the discomfort, implying coldness or an unnerving chill that heightens tension.
- “Startling the restless house”: The idea of startling the “restless house” further intensifies the anxious mood. The house is personified as restless, suggesting that it is uneasy, unable to settle. The sudden sound of the clock disrupts this already unstable environment, heightening the sense of anxiety.
In contrast, the other options are more associated with calmness or pleasantness:
- A uses words like “sparkled” and “merrily,” which create a bright, welcoming, and positive atmosphere.
- B describes the doorbell as “playful” and “lively,” which gives a sense of cheerfulness.
- D uses phrases like “tickled” and “pleasant song,” evoking lightness and enjoyment, rather than tension.
Overall, the mood of C is much more fitting for anxiety due to the ominous and unsettling imagery, whereas the other examples create a more serene or joyful tone.