Question

Analyzing Diction

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 most contribute to a mood of excitement?

“obviously,” “wildly,” “curiously”
“highly charged,” “wildly gesticulating,” “electrocuted”
“meeting ground,” “windows’ drafts,” “curiously numb”
“energy,” “drafts,” “curiously numb”

Answer 1

“highly charged,” “wildly gesticulating,” “electrocuted”

These phrases convey intense, electric movement and feeling, directly creating a mood of excitement (or heightened intensity). The other choices include words like “curiously” or “drafts,” which do not evoke excitement as strongly.