Question

Read the excerpt from chapter 7 of Night.

In the wagon where the bread had landed, a battle had ensued. Men were hurling themselves against each other, trampling, tearing at and mauling each other. Beasts of prey unleashed, animal hate in their eyes. An extraordinary vitality possessed them, sharpening their teeth and nails.
Which phrase from the excerpt best supports a pessimistic tone?
“where the bread had landed”
“a battle had ensued”
“beasts of prey unleashed”
“extraordinary vitality possessed them”

Answer 1

The answer is C. “beasts of prey unleashed” I just did the quiz and got that one right.

Answer 2

Answer: “beasts of prey unleashed”

The author is describing the desperation that people felt as they tried to reach the bread. It is implied that they were desperately hungry, and there was not enough food for everyone. By describing them as "birds of prey unleashed" the author provides an image of desperation that cannot be controlled. It gives the passage a very pessimistic tone. While the other options contribute to the feeling of action and chaos in the passage, they are not necessarily pessimistic descriptions.