To provide a hint to the audience about what will happen later in the play
Half of his tragic flaw is anger, as it caused him to kill his father. The death of his father is a very large part of his downfall. Another flaw is his pride, as he refuses to accept his fate. His main strength, however, is his intelligence. He was courageous, which allowed him to confront and destroy the sphinx.
The excerpt above reflects the idea that Tom's faith is being tested.
Focus on the part of the quote, " - that it was vain to serve God, that God had forgotten him." Tom is questioning his faith, saying that his God had forgotten him, that it was vain to serve his God, and referencing his soul bitter thoughts.
I’d have to say humorous.
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