Question

Before this ugly edifice, and between it and the wheel-track of the street, was a grass-plot, much overgrown with burdock, pig-weed, apple-peru, and such unsightly vegetation, which evidently found something congenial in the soil that had so early borne the black flower of civilized society, a prison.

Which best describes the effect of the words “ugly,” “overgrown,” “pig-weed,” and “unsightly vegetation”?

Answer 1

The effect of the author's word choice in describing this scene is that he or she is not impressed with the surroundings, the word "ugly," carries a negative connotation, so right of the bat, the author shows disdain. 

Answer 2

The answer is D. They establish a rough, untamed setting.