Question

Which sentence best conveys the somber mood at the Cratchits' in "Stave IV: The Last of the Spirits"? A. "He broke down all at once." B. "Bob was very cheerful with them, and spoke pleasantly to all the family." C. "She hurried out to meet him, and little Bob came in." D. "He found the mother and the children seated around the fire."

Answer 1

Okay, so somber basically means, "having or conveying a feeling of deep seriousness and sadness". So I believe that (D) "He found the mother and the children seated around the fire". The line just seems omniscient because it implies that the family is gathered to discuss something important, which may not necessarily be pleasant.