The correct answer should be strong
While modern and antiquated are antonyms, weak would be the antonym of strong.
Answer: C) As many categories as she needs to understand the result
This passage has a melancholic mood. You can tell this due to some specific key words: "dull", "dark", "soundless." They all have a negative connotation. The imagery of a lone rider in a dreary and dull country under the oppressive sky may clue you in that the overall passage has a sad tone to it. Even later in the passage the author states that the scene is melancholic.
