The correct answer is:
He considers himself to be superior to those around him.
The author's tone suggests that Gortsby finds a sense of satisfaction in observing the lonely and defeated figures around him during dusk. His perception of dusk as the "hour of the defeated" indicates that he views himself as separate or above those who have been reduced to hiding their misfortunes. This perspective implies a sense of superiority, as he comfortably reflects on the struggles of others rather than confronting his own situation. The emphasis on the way Gortsby perceives the world—his interpretation of the scene as one that harmonizes with his mood—also reinforces the idea that he looks down upon those around him, finding solace in their anonymity and struggles.