Which phrase best defines the denotative meaning of a word?
a) the feelings and associations the word evokes
b) the literal meaning of the word
c) the author’s attitude toward the word
d) the way a word contributes to a text’s tone

b) The literal meaning of the word.

Explanation:

The denotative meaning of a word is the literal meaning of the given word. In simple words, it means the direct and physical meaning of the word. It is often confused with the connotative meaning. Connotative meaning is the suggestive meaning of the word. It is not the literal meaning.

For example, the denotative meaning of "mob" denotes a group of people while it's denotative meaning means a group of angry people.

извини я не знаю

explanation:

i would like to compare these two interpretations of the crucible : 1) eric christ's interretation and wade bradford's interpretation. the main differences between there interretaions is that in the first one you can notice direct link to joseph mccarthy whereas the second one represents how the town is filled with hysteria.the second interpretation shows that author believes that the story   about puritan town in salem is based on actual events while the first example shows the sencible reference to sort of bias.