Answer :
Final answer:
The word 'inauspicious' means unfavorable or boding ill, especially in the context of describing a negative or ominous beginning. In the excerpt from The Scarlet Letter, this term relates to the negative connotation of a portal leading to unfavorable events. Thus, the answer is that 'inauspicious' indicates something unfavorable or likely to result in bad outcomes.
Explanation:
Understanding the Word 'Inauspicious'
The term 'inauspicious' is derived from the word 'auspicious', which means favorable or fortunate. Hence, when something is described as inauspicious, it typically carries the meaning of being unfavorable or boding ill.
In the excerpt from chapter 1 of The Scarlet Letter, the reference to an inauspicious portal suggests a doorway leading to something negative or ominous, setting the tone for the narrative that follows. For example, considering the historical context of the story, the Puritan society depicted in the novel is filled with rigid moral attitudes, which aligns with the notion of unfavorable outcomes. Therefore, the correct interpretation of 'inauspicious' in this excerpt is clearly unfavorable, boding ill.
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