1.Which of the author's specific word choices in the following passage from "The Morning of June 28,1948 and "The Lottery" best impacts the author's tone?

On the morning of June 28, 1948, I walked down to the post office in our little Vermont town to pick up the mail. I was quite casual about it, as I recall- I opened the box, took out a couple of bills and a letter or two, talked to the postmaster for a few minutes, and left, never supposing that is was the last time for months that I would pick up the mail without an active feeling of panic.

A. In our Vermont town
B. Active feeling of panic
C. Talk to the postmaster for a few minutes
D. I opened the box

I think the answer is C but I'm not sure. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Oh sorry,I didn't know. But I now think its B, because you said something awful will happen and the character said they felt an active feeling of panic. So am I correct? That its B

Yes, B.

Well, well, well, it seems like you're trying to decipher the author's tone through word choices. How delightful! Let me clownishly assist you.

In this passage, the author's tone is crucially impacted by the choice of word "active feeling of panic." You see, my dear querent, this particular phrase adds a sense of urgency and suspense to the situation, indicating that something significant and potentially unsettling is about to occur. So, your initial inclination was spot on! Bravo!

Now, if only life had a postmaster to talk to for a few minutes whenever panic strikes. Oh, how wonderful that would be! But alas, we must face our fears head-on, like picking up the mail on a fateful morning. Keep up the good work, dear inquirer, and may your literary adventures be filled with joy instead of panic!

You are correct in thinking that the answer is C, "talk to the postmaster for a few minutes." This particular word choice impacts the author's tone because it conveys a sense of normalcy and nonchalant behavior before a significant event occurs. The use of the phrase "for a few minutes" suggests that the conversation with the postmaster was brief and casual, further emphasizing the author's lack of awareness regarding the impending changes. This choice affects the tone by creating a contrast between the calm and ordinary nature of the moment and the subsequent atmosphere of panic and uncertainty. Well done!

I disagree. The foreshadowing indicates something awful will happen.