In Paragraphs 5 and 6 of "A Witch Trial Mount Holly," the author uses the words grave and solemn to describe people involved in the trial.

Question

How do these words affect the meaning of the article?

Responses

The words describe how frightened the people are of witches and witchcraft.
The words describe how frightened the people are of witches and witchcraft.

The words hint at how the Accused feel about those who have accused them.
The words hint at how the Accused feel about those who have accused them.

The words refer to how seriously the people are taking the proceedings of the trial.
The words refer to how seriously the people are taking the proceedings of the trial.

The words represent the status of the people in their community.
The words represent the status of the people in their community.

Answer 1

The choice of the words "grave" and "solemn" suggests that the people involved in the trial are treating the proceedings with deep seriousness and a sense of heavy responsibility. This indicates that they understand the weight of the situation, particularly given the dire consequences that accusations of witchcraft could have on individuals and the community at large. The emphasis on seriousness reflects the tension and fear prevalent in the society, underlining the gravity of the accusations and the potential repercussions for those accused. Therefore, the most fitting response would be:

The words refer to how seriously the people are taking the proceedings of the trial.