The author's tone suggests that Norman Gortsby considers himself to be superior to those around him. The description of dusk as "the hour of the defeated" and the emphasis on how those who have "fought and lost" present themselves aligns with Gortsby's perception of himself as separate or elevated from the vague figures moving around him—that is, he observes them with a level of detachment and a sense of superiority regarding their circumstances. Thus, the most fitting response is:
He considers himself to be superior to those around him.