Question

read the excerpt from a short story
i descended the steps to the cellar, reminding myself that the smell of dirt was not to be feared. the earthen walls shone with moisture, and the rows of jarred fruit gleamed. i loathed these errands and doubted my ability to discern a peach from a pear in the dim light. i held a jar inches from my eyes and concluded it was some undesirable green—beans or peas—to be retrieved at a later date. as i mused, something crept stealthily from the shadows, and pounced unexpectedly from the summer’s stash.
which best describes the tone of the excerpt?
○ somber
○ disinterested
○ angry
○ uncertain

Explanation:

The narrator doubts their ability to tell fruits apart in dim light ("doubted my ability to discern a peach from a pear"), is unsure about the jar's contents (concludes it's "undesirable green—beans or peas— to be retrieved later"), and is caught off - guard by something moving. These elements show a sense of uncertainty, unlike "somber" (too gloomy), "disinterested" (lacks engagement, but the narrator is engaged in the situation), or "angry" (no anger - related cues).

Answer:

D. uncertain