Select the correct answer.
Read this excerpt from "The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane. What effect do the underlined sentences have in showing the feelings of the crew?
The crest of each of these waves was a hill, from the top of which the men surveyed, for a moment, a broad tumultuous expanse, shining and wind-riven. It was probably splendid. It was probably glorious, this play of the free sea, wild with lights of emerald and white and amber. "Bully good thing it's an on-shore wind," said the cook; "If not, where would we be? Wouldn't have a show."
A.
They show the anxiety and fear of the crew at the thought of dying at sea.
B.
They show the anger of the crew at the thought of being stranded at sea.
C.
They show the ironic bitterness of the crew at nature’s indifference to their plight.
D.
They show the sadness of the crew at the thought of being left to die at sea.
E.
They show the sadness of the crew at nature’s indifference to their impending deaths.
E. They show the sadness of the crew at nature’s indifference to their impending deaths.
C. They show the ironic bitterness of the crew at nature’s indifference to their plight.
To determine the correct answer, we need to analyze the underlined sentences and consider the emotions expressed by the crew in "The Open Boat" excerpt.
The underlined sentences state, "It was probably splendid. It was probably glorious, this play of the free sea, wild with lights of emerald and white and amber." These sentences suggest a positive and appreciative tone towards the natural beauty of the sea, emphasizing its magnificence.
Now let's review the answer choices:
A. They show the anxiety and fear of the crew at the thought of dying at sea.
B. They show the anger of the crew at the thought of being stranded at sea.
C. They show the ironic bitterness of the crew at nature's indifference to their plight.
D. They show the sadness of the crew at the thought of being left to die at sea.
E. They show the sadness of the crew at nature's indifference to their impending deaths.
Based on the underlined sentences and the positive tone expressed towards the sea, none of the answer choices accurately reflect the crew's feelings. Instead, the underlined sentences indicate the crew's awe and admiration for the beauty of the sea, suggesting a sense of marvel rather than negative emotions like anxiety, fear, anger, or sadness.
Therefore, none of the provided answer choices are correct.