Question

highlight words below that convey the mood.
there was very much the same solemnity of demeanour on the part of the spectators; as befitted a people amongst whom religion and law were almost identical, and in whose character both were so thoroughly interfused, that the mildest and the severest acts of public discipline were alike made venerable and awful. meagre, indeed, and cold, was the sympathy that a transgressor might look for, from such bystanders at the scaffold.

• the scarlet letter, nathaniel hawthorne

Explanation:

• "Solemnity" suggests a serious and formal mood.
• "Venerable" implies a sense of respect and reverence.
• "Awful" (in the archaic sense of inspiring awe) contributes to the mood.
• "Meagre" and "cold" describe a lack of warmth and sympathy.

Answer:

Solemnity, Venerable, Awful, Meagre, Cold