The mood of the passage can be described as alarming. Here's why:
1. Thunder rolling across the sky: The description of thunder rolling across the sky indicates a sense of loudness and intensity, creating a tense atmosphere.
2. Shaking the house like cards: The comparison of the house shaking to being made of cards conveys a feeling of vulnerability and fear, adding to the alarming mood.
3. Wind howling and moaning: The wind's sounds, described as howling and moaning, contribute to a sense of unease and danger.
4. Children tiptoeing down the stairs: The children's cautious movement suggests a heightened awareness of the storm's severity, emphasizing the alarming nature of the situation.
5. Impossibility to stay upstairs: The fact that the storm sounds made it impossible for them to stay upstairs highlights the urgency and seriousness of the storm, further intensifying the alarming mood.
Overall, the combination of these elements – loud thunder, shaking house, howling wind, cautious children, and the need to be with their parents for comfort – creates an atmosphere filled with tension, fear, and alarm, making "alarming" the most suitable choice to describe the mood of the passage.
