Final answer:
The question seeks to identify a synonym for 'squeal'; the correct answer is 'C. Scream'. The literary excerpts describe various sounds and the emotional reactions they provoke.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking for the meaning of the word “squeal”, which is often associated with a high-pitched sound or cry. The closest synonym provided in the options is C. Scream, which is typically a loud, piercing cry or sound. This matches the context provided in the excerpts where various sounds are described. From a soft whistle of prayer bells to the tumult of a gale, or the ominous echo within caves, and the thunderous clamor of shelling in battle, the literary pieces accentuate the emotional response to different sounds. The keywords that reflect these themes are sound, silence, and scream.