Question

read this excerpt from the open boat by stephen crane. it is fair to say here that there was not a lifesaving station within twenty miles in either direction, but the men did not know this fact and in consequence they made dark and opprobrious remarks concerning the eyesight of the nations lifesavers. four scowling men sat in the dinghy and surpassed records in the invention of epithets. what is the meaning of the word opprobrious within the context of the excerpt? a. forcefully convincing b. marked by resourcefulness c. expressing criticism or contempt d. restful or relieved

Explanation:

The men are making remarks about the nation's lifesavers. The context shows they are unhappy (as they don't know there's no lifesaving station nearby). Words like "dark" and "surpassed records in the invention of epithets" (epithets can be negative names) suggest the remarks are negative. "Opprobrious" in this context would mean expressing criticism or contempt.

Answer:

C. expressing criticism or contempt