Question

Read the following brief passage from Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton.

Borrowing was out of the question: six months before [Ethan] had given his only security to raise funds for necessary repairs to the mill, and he knew that without security no one at Starkfield would lend him ten dollars. The inexorable facts closed in on him like prison-warders handcuffing a convict. There was no way out—none. He was a prisoner for life, and now his one ray of light was to be extinguished.

Which of the following best describes the mood created by the above sentences?

(1 point)
Responses

mild regret about a past mistake
mild regret about a past mistake

deep sadness and despair
deep sadness and despair

cheerfulness and hope
cheerfulness and hope

calm and determination

Answer 1

deep sadness and despair

The language ("no way out—none," "prisoner for life," "one ray of light...extinguished") conveys hopelessness and despair rather than mild regret, hope, or calm determination.