The forest lands of Gradwitz were of wide extent and well stocked with game; the narrow strip of precipitous woodland that lay on its outskirt was not remarkable for the game it harboured or the shooting it afforded, but it was the most jealously guarded of all its owner's territorial possessions. A famous law suit, in the days of his grandfather, had wrested it from the illegal possession of a neighbouring family of petty landowners; the dispossessed party had never acquiesced in the judgment of the Courts, and a long series of poaching affrays and similar scandals had embittered the relationships between the families for three generations.

Question

The forest lands of Gradwitz were of wide extent and well stocked with game; the narrow strip of precipitous woodland that lay on its outskirt was not remarkable for the game it harboured or the shooting it afforded, but it was the most jealously guarded of all its owner's territorial possessions. A famous law suit, in the days of his grandfather, had wrested it from the illegal possession of a neighbouring family of petty landowners; the dispossessed party had never acquiesced in the judgment of the Courts, and a long series of poaching affrays and similar scandals had embittered the relationships between the families for three generations.
Use the passage to answer the question.
Analyze the author's use of the words precipitous and embittered. What tone do these words convey?
(1 point)

GPT-4o mini · Answer

The author’s use of the words "precipitous" and "embittered" contributes to a tone that conveys tension and conflict. The term "precipitous" suggests not only the physical steepness of the woodland but also implies a sense of danger or urgency associated with the forest's ownership. It evokes imagery of a rugged, perhaps treacherous landscape that serves as a boundary not just of land but of a contentious relationship.

On the other hand, "embittered" conveys a strong emotional weight, suggesting deep-seated resentment and hostility that has persisted over generations. This word highlights the bitterness and animosity between the Gradwitz family and the dispossessed family, indicating that their conflict is rooted in historical grievances and has evolved into a long-standing feud.

Together, these words create a tone of severity and foreboding, reflecting both the physical and emotional landscape of the story, as well as setting the stage for the ongoing conflict over territory and legacy.