Question

I can't shake this one. Plz help...

"This grew; I gave commands;
Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands
As if alive…"

Which of these best describes the tone of these final words of the speaker concerning the duchess?
♦ indifferent «««« (not sure though)
♦ ominous
♦ pleasant
♦ w̶i̶s̶t̶f̶u̶l̶

Answer 1

The tone of the final words of the speaker is ominous. He is implying that the duchess is dead without outright saying she is thus. From a certain point of view, it could even be argued that he implies that he may have had a hand in the duchess' smiles stopping.