HELP ASAP which supporting detail is most helpful in determining whether the author's purpose is to inform, explain, persuade, inspire, or entertain

1. c.

2. d.

Explanation:

1. The excerpt is overwhelmingly dreary as everything is described in tones of grey and as a derivative of ashes. The only touch of color mentioned in the passage are the eyes of the doctor.

The mood is very depressing as even the smallest tasks are describes as arduous labors. Words that contribute to the bleak and dreary landscape are: ash-grey, desolate, grotesque, crumbling, ghastly, leaden, impenetrable cloud, obscure, and bleak.

2. The train stopping at the drawbridge is almost like an unwanted interruption in the lives of the rich and famous who live in the lap of luxury and have enough money to travel in the fastest and most expensive transportation at the time.

The stop in the Valley of Ashes is described almost sarcastically as if the passengers in the train would have desired to take in the bleak and somber landscape of the dark and filthy valley laden with ash and industry.