Question

Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this narrative.

Which phrase from "Uses and Abuses of the Umbrella" most clearly informs the reader that the author is being sarcastic?

A. "'...The umbrella is an article proper to the desk.'"

B. "...the umbrella is too fine, too delicate and lovely an article for water to be allowed to ruin it."

C. "...to enjoy a shower of pure water from the heavens,..."

D. "...for it presumes that next to every desk there ought to be a coat rack and, hanging on the coat rack, an umbrella."


Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this narrative.

What effect does word choice have on the meaning of this excerpt from Benjamin Franklin's "A Witch Trial at Mount Holly"?

...both Accused and Accusers being stripp’d (saving only to the Women their Shifts) were bound Hand and Foot, and severally placed in the Water, lengthways, from the Side of a Barge or Flat, having for Security only a Rope about the Middle of each, which was held by some in the Flat.

A. The phrase "held by some" shows that the villagers cooperated together.

B. The phrase "only a Rope" highlights the lack of technology in Franklin's time.

C. The phrase "bound Hand and Foot" emphasizes the seriousness of the danger.

D. The phrase "both Accused and Accusers being stripp'd" clarifies that the accused were unfairly treated.

Answer 1

When an answer is correct please put 5 stars. When you put four stars it only confuses the next person.

Answer 2

1. In my opinion, the best answer is B. "...the umbrella is too fine, too delicate and lovely an article for water to be allowed to ruin it." It really undermines the definition and use for an umbrella, inverting its function: it actually wasn't meant to protect us from rain, but to be fine, delicate, lovely, and protected from rain itself.

2. I think the correct answer is C. The phrase "bound Hand and Foot" emphasizes the seriousness of the danger. This phrase is the most relevant choice, as well as its explanation. It is not so important that some of the villagers cooperated, or that there was no technology. As for the last option, it isn't true, as the accused were treated the same way as the accusers.