Question

read the excerpt relating to mr. dimmesdale from chapter 3 of the scarlet letter.
the young pastor’s voice was tremulously sweet, rich, deep, and broken. the feeling that it so evidently manifested, rather than the direct purport of the words, caused it to vibrate within all hearts, and brought listeners into one accord of sympathy.
based on the excerpt, which best explains why mr. dimmesdale’s speech to hester prynne is so moving to the audience?
○ mr. dimmesdale is able to charm the audience with a voice that rings out clearly and brightly as if singing the melody of a song.
○ mr. dimmesdale speaks with such a measure of authority that people cannot help but be captivated by the force of his words.
○ there is a depth of intense emotion underlying the words mr. dimmesdale speaks, as if he cannot control the feelings he is experiencing.
○ there is a detached rationality underlying the words mr. dimmesdale speaks, as if he is an expert in matters of the heart.

Explanation:

The text mentions that the "feeling that it so evidently manifested" (the emotion in his voice) caused the speech to "vibrate within all hearts" and bring listeners to "sympathy". This indicates that the emotion underlying his words is key. The first option about a voice "ringing out clearly and brightly" contradicts "tremulously sweet, rich, deep, and broken". The second option about "authority" is not mentioned. The fourth option about "detached rationality" goes against the emphasis on emotion.

Answer:

There is a depth of intense emotion underlying the words Mr. Dimmesdale speaks, as if he cannot control the feelings he is experiencing.