Question

Read this excerpt from chapter 2 of The Scarlet Letter.

The door of the jail being flung open from within, there appeared, in the first place, like a black shadow emerging into sunshine, the grim and grisly presence of the town-beadle, with a sword by his side and his staff of office in his hand.

Which best describes the purpose of the words “black shadow,” “grim,” “grisly,” and “sword”?
to impart a sorrowful mood
to impart a solemn mood
to emphasize the early morning setting
to emphasize the beadle’s bravery

Answer 1

to impart a solemn mood

The words create a dark, grave, and serious tone—emphasizing the beadle’s stern, ominous presence rather than sadness, time of day, or bravery.