Question

For a long moment no one moved or said a word as Mr. Barnett shone the light directly on T.J., then on R.W. and Melvin, their faces darkened by the stockings. But when Mr. Barnett saw the cabinet lock busted, he flew into frenzied action, hopping madly down the stairs and trying to grab the metal box from Melvin. They struggled, with Mr. Barnett getting the better of Melvin, until R.W. whopped Mr. Barnett solidly on the head from behind with the flat of the axe, and Mr. Barnett slumped into a heap upon the floor as if dead.

—Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,
Mildred D. Taylor

Identify the word that best describes the tone of this passage.

creepy
angry
tense
happy

Answer 1

The word that best describes the tone of this passage is **tense**. The situation involves a confrontation and escalating violence, creating a sense of suspense and anxiety.