College

Read this excerpt from Chapter 1 of "The Scarlet Letter":

"Finding it so directly on the threshold of our narrative, which is now about to issue from that inauspicious portal, we could hardly do otherwise than pluck one of its flowers and present it to the reader."

What is the meaning of the word "inauspicious"?

A. Unremarkable, forgettable
B. Unintelligent, not educated
C. Unimpressive, poorly built
D. Unfavorable, boding ill

Answer :

Final answer:

The word "inauspicious" in the context of the excerpt from The Scarlet Letter means unfavorable or boding ill. This interpretation aligns with the connotation of the word as it relates to negative beginnings or circumstances. Therefore, the correct answer matches the last option provided in your list.


Explanation:

Understanding the Word "Inauspicious" in Context

The term inauspicious is derived from its roots indicating a lack of favorability or good prospects. In the excerpt you provided from The Scarlet Letter, the use of inauspicious suggests a sense of ominous beginnings or unfavorable circumstances surrounding the narrative's introduction.

To clarify the meanings in your options:

  • Unremarkable, forgettable: This implies that something is not memorable, which does not align with the essence of inauspicious.
  • Unintelligent, not educated: This focuses on intelligence and education, irrelevant to the context.
  • Unimpressive, poorly built: While this could refer to something lacking substance, it doesn't capture the specific negativity of fortunes.
  • Unfavorable, boding ill: This correctly captures the essence of inauspicious, indicating a sense of bad luck or ominous events.

Thus, the most accurate interpretation of inauspicious in this context is unfavorable, boding ill.


Learn more about vocabulary here:

https://brainly.com/question/28932775