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What is the meaning of the bold words in the following question. Reproach pounded in his breast, gloomy / and dark, and the world seemed a different place. (beowulf)

User Kirkegaard
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In the context of the sentence you provided from Beowulf, let's break down the meaning of the bold words:

1. Reproach: In this context, "reproach" means a feeling of blame, guilt, or disapproval that is weighing heavily on the person's conscience. It suggests that the person is carrying a burden of guilt or regret.

2. Gloomy: "Gloomy" describes a state of darkness or sadness. It implies that the person's mood is downcast and pessimistic, contributing to a sense of unhappiness.

3. Dark: "Dark" can have both a literal and metaphorical meaning here. Literally, it can refer to the absence of light, creating a somber atmosphere. Metaphorically, it can represent the person's emotional state, indicating a lack of hope or clarity.

So, in the context of the sentence, the person is feeling burdened by guilt or regret, experiencing a deep sense of sadness and unhappiness, and perceiving the world around them as bleak and lacking in positivity. These words collectively convey a heavy and negative emotional state.
User Elmarko
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