Question

Which phrase or sentence in this excerpt from Kurt Vonnegut's "Report on the Barnhouse Effect" demonstrates the use of irony?

One long bench had been brought in for the ten of us privileged to watch. The television screens showed, from left to right, the stretch of desert which was the rocket target, the guinea-pig fleet, and a section of the Aleutian sky through which the radio-controlled bomber formation would roar.
Ninety minutes before H-hour the radios announced that the rockets were ready, that the observation ships had backed away to what was thought to be a safe distance, and that the bombers were on their way. The small Virginia audience lined up on the bench in order of rank, smoked a great deal, and said little. Professor Barnhouse was in his bedroom. General Barker bustled about the house like a woman preparing Thanksgiving dinner for twenty.
.At ten minutes before H-hour the general came in, shepherding the professor before him

Answer 1

A.One long bench had been brought in for the ten of us privileged to watch.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

General Barker bustled about the house like a woman preparing Thanksgiving dinner for twenty.

This is the best example of irony. The excerpt describes General Barker, who occupies a traditionally very masculine profession, preparing for the demonstration of the most destructive weapon in the history of mankind as if he were a woman bustling about the house preparing Thanksgiving dinner. This juxtaposition creates a sense of irony.