Final answer:
Shelby's emotional state is one of deep distress and her physical reactions include crying, motionlessness, sobs, and a dull, fixed stare indicating overwhelming feelings. The rapid transition from anger to sadness and subsequent shaking signals vulnerability and intense emotional arousal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shelby's emotional state is one of deep distress and inner turmoil as depicted by her spontaneous outburst of tears and the evident physical reactions to her emotions. In the given situation, her actions—laying her face on an open book, bursting into tears, sitting motionless with periodic sobs, and having a fixed gaze—all point to a profound sense of sorrow, hurt, and maybe even despair.
The dull stare and the suspension of intelligent thought imply a significant emotional shock, likely causing her to be momentarily overwhelmed and incapacitated by her feelings. Georgiana's reddening with anger followed by tears indicates a rapid transition from offense to sadness. This rollercoaster of emotions culminates in a state of physical shaking, a sign of her vulnerability and the intensity of her feelings. Her joy transforms into fear and trepidation when confronted with something unexpected, leaving her pale and trembling.
These physical manifestations of emotional arousal provide glimpses into her complex emotional experiences, showing how closely intertwined the cognitive, emotional, and physiological aspects of our responses to various stimuli can be. Details such as the fair, calm face that now displays repression and strength turned into overwhelming distress, further allow us to infer that her usual composure has been significantly disrupted.