Question

Which line best establishes the matter-of-fact tone at the beginning of the story?

A. On the 25th March, 18 , a very strange occurrence took place in St Petersburg.
B. . . . on his sign-board, on which was depicted the head of a gentleman with one cheek soaped, the only inscription to be read was, "Blood-letting done here."
C. A nose, an actual nose; and, moreover, it seemed to be the nose of an acquaintance!
D. He put in his finger, and drew out a nose!

Answer 1

its a On the 25th March, 18 , a very strange occurrence took place in St Petersburg.

Answer 2

The correct answer is A. It starts with very specific details, devoid of any emotional interfering on the narrator's part. The only subjective detail in this line is the estimation "very strange". Still, it doesn't disturb the factuality of the context, which is firmly rooted in precise time and place references.