Select the correct answer.

Read the excerpt adapted from "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" by James Joyce:

"The wide playgrounds were swarming with boys playing football. All were shouting and the captains urged them on with strong cries. The evening air was pale and chilly, and the greasy leather ball flew like a heavy bird through the grey light. He kept on the edge of his line, out of sight of his captain, out of the reach of the rude feet, pretending to run now and then. His body felt small and he did his best to hide in plain sight."

Which mood does the author develop with syntax and diction?

A. joyful
B. sarcastic
C. gloomy
D. angry