Read this excerpt from chapter 2 of The Scarlet Letter. Meagre, indeed, and cold, was the sympathy that a transgressor might look for, from such bystanders at the scaffold. On the other hand, a penalty which, in our days, would infer a degree of mocking infamy and ridicule, might then be invested with almost as stern a dignity as the punishment of death itself. Which best describes the purpose of the words “meagre,” “scaffold,” “stern,” and “punishment of death”? They impart a judgmental, reproachful mood. They impart a gloomy and woeful mood. They establish the municipal setting of the town square. They establish the boisterous setting at the scaffold.

The statement that best describes the purpose of the words “meagre,” “scaffold,” “stern,” and “punishment of death” is, They impart a judgmental, reproachful mood.

What is reproachful?

Reproachful means to shame or disgrace because of someone actions.

Because the author was sympathetic to a transgressor, he even stands to judge the infamy and ridicule. And they have redemption from sin and shame. The impact was judgmental and had a reproachful mood as the letter stands for adultery and reminds the readers of rosebush. Thus, the statement that best describes the purpose of the words "meagre," "scaffold," "stern," and "punishment of death" is that they impart a judgmental, reproachful mood.

Hence the correct option is, They impart a judgmental, reproachful mood.

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