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

The word inauspicious in the excerpt from The Scarlet Letter means unfavorable or boding ill. It indicates a negative tone at the beginning of the narrative. This choice of word sets an ominous atmosphere for the story's unfolding events.

Explanation:

Understanding the Word Inauspicious

In the context of the excerpt from The Scarlet Letter, the word inauspicious is best understood as meaning unfavorable or boding ill. This term is often used to describe events or circumstances that predict negative outcomes or reveal a lack of promise. The excerpt suggests that the narrative is about to begin at a threshold that is marked by bad omens or conditions.

For example, in literature, an inauspicious start might refer to a story that begins with tragedy or conflict, foreshadowing a difficult journey for the characters involved. Hence, when the author speaks of an inauspicious portal, it sets a tone of foreboding right from the outset of the story.

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