The words "pleasant morn" help the reader understand ______ before the arrival of the troops.

The words "pleasant morn" help the reader understand the atmosphere or setting before the arrival of the troops. By using this description, the writer conveys a sense of a calm, beautiful, and perhaps peaceful morning. The word "pleasant" suggests that the weather is nice, and the environment is enjoyable, which may contrast with the tension, disruption, or chaos that the arrival of troops might bring.

Extra: When authors choose specific words to describe a setting or a period of time, they are using a literary technique called imagery. Imagery involves the use of descriptive language to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind, appealing to the senses such as sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. In the case of "pleasant morn," the imagery is visual and possibly tactile (related to touch) as it evokes a scene of a morning that is likely bright, mild, and welcoming. Additionally, this choice of words can also serve to heighten the emotional impact or dramatic tension in a story by providing a stark contrast to the events that follow, such as the arrival of troops, which might imply an impending battle, military occupation, or other significant event that would disrupt the tranquility of the morning. This technique can be very effective in establishing mood and setting the stage for the narrative's action.