Final answer:
The diction in the sentences can best be described as casual and exciting (option b), which contributes to an overall mood of anticipation and adventure. This contrasts with the poetic and reflective tone of the longer story excerpts provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diction in the given sentences from the narrative can be described as casual and exciting. This choice of diction creates an informal atmosphere that carries a sense of enthusiasm and anticipation, which comfortably aligns with the actions and attitudes of the characters involved. The mood set by such language choices encourages a feeling of adventure and readiness for exploration, as seen in how Ginny jumps promptly into the sea, manifesting her eagerness and impulsive nature. This diction contrasts with the moods of the story excerpts that you've provided, which have a much more poetic and reflective, or sometimes solemn and serious, tone. Those portray a mixture of the beauty and indifference of nature, the precariousness of human fate against the might of the sea, and the stoic resolve of people facing adversity.
The description of the various settings and situations in the passages highlights vivid imageries, such as the morning sky 'painted with carmine and gold', or the comparison of the lighthouse to a 'giant standing with its back to the plight of the ants'. These choices enhance the evocative and immersive quality of the storytelling, adding depth to the narrative and engaging the reader's emotions and imagination. Whether it's the looming land out of the sea, the feeling of cold penetrating one's bones on deck, or the contrasting serenity of the white magnolias, the author uses language to paint a detailed picture of the scenes and the internal states of the characters.