Question

The grass-plot before the jail, in Prison Lane, on a certain summer morning, not less than two centuries ago, was occupied by a pretty large number of the inhabitants of Boston; all with their eyes intently fastened on the iron-clamped oaken door.

— The Scarlet Letter,
Nathaniel Hawthorne


Which phrase from the passage creates a pleasant setting and mood?

“before the jail”

“in Prison Lane”

“summer morning”

“the iron-clamped oaken door”

Answer 1

The phrase from this passage from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” that creates a pleasant setting and mood is “summer morning.” Hence, the right answer is the third one.

Step-by-step explanation:

Right before the main plot of the novel uncovers, it begins with a scene or an event where a large crowd has gathered to witness something unusual or unexpected. Though the scene is a serious one, Hawthorne’s introduction to the scene sets a pleasant mood and the scent of freshness to the setting.

The crowd is waiting near a prison door holding their breath and with their eyes glued on its iron-clamped door. To soften the seriousness of the scenario, the use of words “summer morning” are being used.

Answer 2

“summer morning”

Step-by-step explanation:

In this passage, the phrase creates a pleasant mood due to word choice. It includes the adverb and the noun that explain the time of the day. This phrase is used to describe the specific time and give some more detail about it. Most people consider this phrase as pleasant.The readers will have an association of summer as bright, warm and sunny time of year. The second part includes part of the day that can associate readers to think about rising the sun and a new day. This phrase helps to describe when this event happened.