Question

Read the following excerpt from the story. "An apprehensive night crawled slowly by like a wounded snake, and sleep did not visit Rainsford, although the silence of a dead world was on the jungle. Toward morning, when a dingy gray was varnishing the sky, the cry of some startled bird focused Rainsford's attention in that direction. Something was coming through the bush, coming slowly, carefully, coming by the same winding way Rainsford had come. He flattened himself down on the limb and, through a screen of leaves almost as thick as tapestry, he watched. . . ." How might Rainsford be feeling? What clues from the text support your thoughts?

a) Excited; mentions of a wounded snake and a dead world
b) Relaxed; description of the jungle's silence
c) Anxious; use of the word apprehensive and the careful approach
d) Sleepy; reference to the varnishing sky and startled bird

Answer 1

Rainsford is feeling anxious, as indicated by the use of 'apprehensive' and the imagery of a wounded snake and a slow, careful approach through the bush.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the excerpt provided, Rainsford is likely feeling anxious. The text provides several clues to support this interpretation. The phrase "An apprehensive night crawled slowly by" suggests a state of anxiety or fear, as "apprehensive" indicates a feeling of anxiety about something that may happen. Additionally, the description of the night moving "like a wounded snake" conveys a sense of danger and unease, reinforcing the previous notion. Lastly, the careful and slow approach of something through the bush that grabs Rainsford's focused attention further amplifies the tension and Rainsford's likely anxious state of mind.