Question

The conference had obviously been a meeting ground for a lot of highly charged energy. Looking at her wildly gesticulating hair caught in the windows’ drafts, I felt she should have electrocuted me. But I was curiously numb beside her.

–Obasan,
Joy Kogawa

Which words from the text create a mood of excitement? Check all that apply.

“highly charged energy”
“wildly gesticulating hair”
“electrocuted”
“curiously numb”

Answer 1

“highly charged energy” — yes (directly suggests intense excitement)
“wildly gesticulating hair” — yes (“wildly” and “gesticulating” convey agitation/excitement)
“electrocuted” — yes (suggests a sudden, shocking intensity)

“curiously numb” — no (numbness implies lack of feeling, not excitement)