Final Answer:
The words from the excerpt that best convey a depressed, regretful tone are _(2) looming, sorrow, woe._ Thus thye correct option is 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The selection of words in option (2) effectively captures a depressed and regretful tone in the excerpt. "Looming" suggests a sense of impending darkness or trouble, indicating a negative outlook. "Sorrow" directly conveys deep sadness, while "woe" emphasizes a state of great distress or affliction. Together, these words paint a picture of a somber and regretful emotional state, aligning with the tone associated with depression and remorse.
Contrastingly, options (1), (3), and (4) consist of words that do not carry the same weight of melancholy or regret. Option (1) includes words associated with peace and morning, which typically evoke positive or serene sentiments. Option (3) involves terms like "pardon'd" and "punished," which might suggest a more neutral or conflicted emotional tone rather than one dominated by regret. Option (4) contains words like "hence" and "talk," which do not inherently convey a sense of regret or depression, focusing more on movement and communication.
In literary analysis, the careful consideration of word choice is crucial in understanding the emotional undertones of a text. In this case, the selection of "looming," "sorrow," and "woe" in option (2) effectively captures the mood of depression and regret, providing a nuanced understanding of the emotional landscape within the given excerpt.