Final answer:
The underlined word in the excerpt from 'The Call of the Wild' is best matched with the phrase 4) 'informed or explained,' reflecting the character's new understanding of an issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The meaning of the underlined word in the excerpt from The Call of the Wild can be discerned from the context provided.
Considering the provided excerpts, especially the final quoted passage that discusses an epiphany about the shift from slavery to freedom, the most fitting pair of words for the underlined term would likely be informed or explained. This phrase conveys the notion of being made aware of something or having something made clear, which aligns with the character gaining a profound understanding of a previously confusing matter.