It was _ dark, dreary night.

Explanation

Option A, "a," is an indefinite article that is used to introduce a singular noun that is not specific or previously mentioned. In this case, "night" is a singular noun, but the sentence does not suggest a specific night. Option B, "an," is an indefinite article used before a noun that begins with a vowel sound. "Night" starts with a consonant sound, so "an" is not appropriate. Option C, "the," is a definite article that refers to a specific noun that is already known or previously mentioned. There is no specific noun in this sentence that requires a definite article. Option D, The sentence describes a general situation that does not require a definite article ("the") or an indefinite article ("a" or "an").