Final answer:
The word 'pensive' refers to a state of deep or serious thoughtfulness, usually with a hint of sadness. In the context provided, it aligns with option A: Thoughtful, which describes a contemplative or wistful mood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word pensive describes a mood of deep or serious thoughtfulness, often tinged with some element of sadness or longing. The provided excerpts suggest a tone of reflection and melancholy, as seen in the heavy-hearted mood of the characters and the pensiveness experienced when in solitude. Contrasting with options like joyful, carefree, or agitated, pensive embodies a state of contemplation or wistfulness that is more subdued and introspective, which Learn more about pensive