Question

read the excerpt from paragraph 3 below. select two phrases that demonstrate the author’s use of language to create a tone of despair.
near the horizon, the sun was smoldering dimly, almost obscured by formless mists and vapors
the man pulled out his watch, while resting his weight on one leg. it was four o’clock, and the
season was near the last of july or first of august. he did not know the precise date within a
week or two, but he did know that the sun roughly marked the northwest direction. he looked
to the south and knew that somewhere beyond those bleak hills lay the great bear lake. he
also knew that in that direction, the arctic circle cut its forbidding way across the canadian
barrens.

Explanation:

To determine phrases creating a despairing tone, we analyze word choices:

• "obscured by formless mists and vapors": The obscured sun and formless mists/vapors create a gloomy, hopeless atmosphere.
• "beyond those bleak hills": "Bleak" implies desolation, contributing to despair. Other phrases like "Near the horizon", "marked the northwest direction", or "in that direction" are neutral (directional) or lack despairing connotations.

Answer:

obscured by formless mists and vapors, beyond those bleak hills