Read the excerpt from chapter 8 of Obasan by Joy Kogawa."Dearest Nesan,” her diary entries begin. The sight of the word "Nesan” cuts into me with a peculiar sensation of pain and tenderness. It means "older sister,” and was what Aunt Emily always called Mother. Grandma also called Mother "Nesan” from time to time, especially if she was talking to Aunt Emily. I remember one time I called Mother "Nesan” and Grandma Kato laughed and laughed.The book feels heavy with voices from the past—a connection to Mother and Grandma Kato I did not know existed.
Answer
A
They focus on a feeling of surprise to create a mood that is mysterious and grim.
B
They present an uncommon situation to create a mood that is confused and worried.
C
They emphasize difficult emotions to create a mood of grief and nostalgia.
D
They present past events and thoughts to create a mood of regret and shame.
Explanation
The narrator describes the word “Nesan” as bringing both pain and tenderness, then reflects on the connection to Mother and Grandma Kato that she did not know existed. These difficult emotions and memories from the past create a mood of grief and nostalgia. Choice C, “They emphasize difficult emotions to create a mood of grief and nostalgia,” best fits the passage.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.