Question

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

Which of the following “feeling” words describe the mood conveyed through word choice? Check the two best choices.

serious

excited

anxious

peaceful

Answer 1

Serious or anxious. but most likely serious.