Question

Read this excerpt from Stephen Crane's short story "The Open Boat":
The injured captain, lying in the bow, was at this time buried in that profound dejection and indifference which comes, temporarily at least, to even the bravest and most enduring when, willy nilly, the firm fails, the army loses, the ship goes down. What is the meaning of the word dejection in the context of the excerpt?

Answer 1

Dejection in this context means disappointment.

Explanation:

According to the excerpt, the injured captain was in profound dejection meaning that he was severely disappointed and was in a gloomy mood with a hurt, rejected and downcast attitude. The captain was not in good spirits much and was totally crestfallen and wistful.

There are times when feelings of hopelessness and sadness come along with indifference and melancholy. A sense of incapability and misery loom in making the person feel depressed and upset. This is the feeling of dejection that the captain feels in this excerpt.

Answer 2

Answer: The answer is D. Low Spirits.

Explanation: Dejection-"a sad and depressed state; low spirits."