When looking at the options with the context clues, we can eliminate any definitions that have a positive connotation. None of the context clues indicate that consternation would be something that is good. While the first option shows a negative connotation for consternation it is not specific enough to pinpoint a meaning for the word. The context clue "general awe and terror" indicates that there is confusion.
a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid (e.g., as brave as a lion, crazy like a fox ).
