Question

"Suddenly one of these gypsies, in trembling opal, seizes a cocktail out of the air, dumps it down for courage and, moving her hands like Frisco, dances out alone on the canvas platform. A momentary hush; the orchestra leader varies his rhythm obligingly for her, and there is a burst of chatter as the erroneous news goes around that she is Gilda Gray’s understudy from the Follies. The party has begun."

How does the description of the dancer in this passage contribute to the mood?

A. By demonstrating that the party guests act more wildly than they normally would
B. By illustrating how the party guests of all classes support one another
C. By showing that the party guests speak unkindly about each other
D. By revealing how the party guests were generous towards Gatsby

Answer 1

The dancer's description sets a mood of wildness and spontaneity, indicating the guests' uninhibited behavior at the party. Therefore, the correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The description of the dancer in the passage contributes to the mood by demonstrating that the party guests act more wildly than they normally would. The colorful imagery of the gypsy 'in trembling opal' seizing a cocktail and dancing 'like Frisco' on the platform captivates the audience and signifies the commencement of the evening's revelry. This sudden burst into dance suggests a spontaneous and uninhibited atmosphere, where the usual social conventions are relaxed or discarded, enabling a wilder expression among the guests.