Select the correct answer.

What is the mood of this excerpt from "The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane?

The January water was icy, and he reflected immediately that it was colder than he had expected to find it off the coast of Florida. This appeared to his dazed mind as a fact important enough to be noted at the time. The coldness of the water was sad; it was tragic. This fact was somehow so mixed and confused with his opinion of his own situation that it seemed almost a proper reason for tears. The water was cold.

A.
overwhelmed
B.
optimistic
C.
condescending
D.
grateful
E.
expectant

The correct answer is option A. overwhelmed.

The correct answer is A. overwhelmed

To determine the mood of this excerpt from "The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane, we can analyze the language and tone used. In this particular passage, the narrator is reflecting upon the coldness of the water, describing it as sad and tragic. The mention of tears further emphasizes the negative emotions associated with the coldness of the water. Therefore, the correct answer would be A. overwhelmed, as the mood conveyed is one of being overcome by the harsh reality and despair of their situation.