As you read the following excerpt from "Po-No-Kah," look for word choices that create a negative connotation: "With a sinking heart he heard the heavy thump of the club as each warrior gave his cruel vote, until at last one chief, holding the club in the air, pointed with a meaning gesture-first at Tom, then at Rudolph and Kitty."

Question

Which words have the greatest effect on the tone of the passage?

heavy, warrior

last, gesture

vote, club

sinking, cruel

Answer 1

In the excerpt, the words that have the greatest effect on the tone of the passage are "sinking" and "cruel."

• "Sinking" conveys a sense of despair or dread, reflecting the protagonist's emotional state as the situation unfolds.
• "Cruel" highlights the harshness of the warriors' actions and decisions, contributing to an overall negative connotation.

Together, these words create a somber and foreboding atmosphere in the passage.