Question

Read the excerpt from Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.

For a long moment no one moved or said a word as Mr. Barnett shone the light directly on T.J., then on R.W. and Melvin, their faces darkened by the stockings. But when Mr. Barnett saw the cabinet lock busted, he flew into frenzied action, hopping madly down the stairs and trying to grab the metal box from Melvin. They struggled, with Mr. Barnett getting the better of Melvin, until R.W. whopped Mr. Barnett solidly on the head from behind with the flat of the axe, and Mr. Barnett slumped into a heap upon the floor as if dead.

Which detail in the excerpt best helps the reader determine the frantic tone?

For a long moment no one moved or said a word
he flew into frenzied action, hopping madly down the stairs
Mr. Barnett slumped into a heap upon the floor as if dead
their faces darkened by the stockings

Answer 1

The detail in the excerpt that best helps the reader determine the frantic tone is "he flew into frenzied action, hopping madly down the stairs."