Read the passage from The Red Badge of Courage. Answer the question that follows.

Question

In the **gloom** before the break of the day their uniforms glowed a deep purple hue. From across the river the **red eyes** were still peering. In the eastern sky there was a yellow patch like a rug laid for the feet of the coming sun; and against it, **black** and patternlike, **loomed** the gigantic figure of the colonel on a gigantic horse.

What mood does the passage convey based on the connotation of the bolded words?
Cheerfulness
Excitement
Optimism
Sadness

Answer 1

The passage conveys a mood of sadness. The bolded words such as "gloom," "red eyes," and "black" suggest a dark and ominous atmosphere, while "loomed" indicates something threatening or foreboding. Together, these connotations create a sense of unease and melancholy rather than cheerfulness, excitement, or optimism.