Final answer:
Mahnke's word choice of 'shrouded' instead of 'covered' imbues the text with a somber, respectful tone linked to death rituals, deepening the emotional impact and creating a more ominous atmosphere in the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The impact of Mahnke's use of the word shrouded instead of covered adds a layer of meaning and emotional weight to the description. Shrouded conveys a sense of finality and respect often associated with death and funerary practices, suggesting a deeper connection to the victims as well as adding to the ominous and eerie atmosphere of the narrative. In contrast, the word covered is more neutral and lacks the evocative connotations that come with shrouded. Moreover, the act of covering mirrors is a symbolic gesture recognized in many cultures as a way to ward off spirits or bad luck following a death, which intensifies the narrative's foreboding mood.
In the provided context, discussing mourning figures and the dead body of a woman with a shroud held above her, or the detail of a funeral bier and a shroud, reinforces the connection to death rituals. When readers encounter the word shroud, they might recall funerals they've attended or images of death they've seen in other media, thus engaging with the text on a deeper emotional level. The connotations of "shroud" enrich the text, providing a backdrop of tradition, ritual, and a palpable sense of loss and respect for the deceased.