4. What does the word "oppressive" mean as used in paragraph 42? In The Cone

One of these

Explanation:

oppressive

1. Inflicting harsh and authoritarian treatment.

'an oppressive dictatorship'

1.1 Weighing heavily on the mind or spirits.

'the offices present an oppressive atmosphere'

2. (of weather) close and sultry.

'the day was sunless and oppressive'

overwhelming

* persistant silence that is hard to stand - weighed heavily upon

Explanation:

"The oppressive stillness of the evening weighed heavily upon Raut. "

Something overwhelming is something very intense and hard to control. Usually strong emotions can be overwhelming, such as great happiness or deep sadness. When a person is overwhelmed with emotions, that person will show those emotions no matter what happens.