Question

reread this phrase, the bells tinkled merrily, from the last paragraph on page 86.
here the train was halted. the scotch half - breed slowly retraced his steps to the camp they had left. the men ceased talking. a revolver shot rang out. the man came back hurriedly. the whips snapped, the bells tinkled merrily, the sleds churned along the trail, but buck knew, and every dog knew, what had taken place behind the belt of river trees
how does the phrase contrast with the author’s overall tone in the paragraph? choose one word that describes the tone in the overall paragraph and one word that describes the tone in the phrase
overall tone of the paragraph
tone of the phrase

happy nervous serious frightened angry bored

Explanation:

For the overall tone of the paragraph: The events like a revolver shot, the man returning hurriedly, and the dogs knowing something serious happened create a serious atmosphere. So "Serious" fits. For the phrase "the bells tinkled merrily", "merrily" suggests a light, happy tone, so "Happy" fits.

Answer:

Overall tone of the paragraph: Serious
Tone of the phrase: Happy