from The Hound of the Baskervilles
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Last night, about two in the morning, I was aroused by a stealthy step passing my room. I rose, opened my door, and peeped out. A long black shadow was trailing down the corridor. It was thrown by a man who walked softly down the passage with a candle held in his hand. He was in shirt and trousers, with no covering to his feet. I could merely see the outline, but his height told me that it was Barrymore. He walked very slowly and circumspectly1, and there was something indescribably guilty and furtive2 in his whole appearance.
I have told you that the corridor is broken by the balcony which runs round the hall, but that it is resumed upon the farther side. I waited until he had passed out of sight and then I followed him. When I came round the balcony he had reached the end of the farther corridor, and I could see from the glimmer of light through an open door that he had entered one of the rooms.
1. cautiously
2. stealthy
4
How does the setting affect the development of the theme?
A.
It creates an atmosphere of excitement.
B.
It creates an atmosphere of mystery.
C.
It establishes a sense of wonder.
D.
It establishes a sense of sadness.
B. It creates an atmosphere of mystery.
The setting of the dark corridor late at night with a long black shadow and a man walking stealthily with a candle in hand creates a mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere. This setting adds to the sense of intrigue and suspicion surrounding the character of Barrymore, contributing to the development of the theme of secrecy and betrayal in the story.