read the passage.

excerpt from "The Masque of the Red Death" by Edgar Allan Poe

There was a sharp cry—and the dagger dropped gleaming upon the sable carpet, upon which, instantly afterwards, fell prostrate in death the Prince Prospero. Then, summoning the wild courage of despair, a throng of the revellers at once threw themselves into the black apartment, and, seizing the mummer, whose tall figure stood erect and motionless within the shadow of the ebony clock, gasped in unutterable horror at finding the grave-cerements and corpse-like mask which they handled with so violent a rudeness, untenanted by any tangible form.

Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this story.

Which statement best explains how word choice affects the tone of this passage?


Words like wild courage create a bold tone that reflects the attitude of the Prince.


By describing the tall figure, the passage creates a sense of terror and despair.


Phrases like “sharp cry” and “threw themselves” create an energized tone.


By describing a wild chase, the passage creates an exciting and thrilling tone.