Final answer:
Words and phrases in 'Natural History Mysteries' create an atmosphere that is both industrial and natural, with descriptive language highlighting the interaction between human industry and the natural world, such as 'thick, clammy air' and 'glimmering lights' on trees.
Step-by-step explanation:
To identify the words and phrases that create an atmosphere in the story Natural History Mysteries, careful reading is necessary. Descriptive language, such as "The air is thick, clammy with the breath of crowded human beings" and "It rolls sullenly in slow folds from the great chimneys," are used to convey a dense and polluted environment. Similarly, phrases like "the muddy streets" and "the yellow river, clinging in a coating of greasy soot" intensify the sense of a grimy, industrial landscape. In another passage, the use of vivid language continues with descriptions of nature interacting with the environment. The phrases "a cool wind blew across the oval," "fluttering the aspen leaves into millions of facets of red," and "the graceful spruces" provide a more natural and serene atmosphere.
The tone of the story can be described by considering both the descriptive language and the narrative. In one instance, the tone is conveyed through phrases such as "the darkening," "the valley was gray," and "the quivering, golden haze of lightning," which suggest a mix of tranquility and looming tension. In the final quoted extract, the tone hints at awe and danger, as evidenced by "the forest of oaks tossed wildly" and "the great stone bridge seemed to bear the brunt of the storm." Each of these examples contributes to the overall atmosphere of the story, creating a rich tapestry of imagery for readers to engage with.