Question

Read paragraphs 18-19 from the story. "Well—maybe make ’em real loud," said Hazel. "I think I’d make a good Handicapper General." "Good as anybody else," said George. What is the author suggesting through this use of verbal irony?

A. That George thinks he would do the job better than anyone else
B. That the current Handicapper General is not very good at her job
C. That everybody would do the job of Handicapper General the same way
D. That Hazel is more qualified to be Handicapper General than most people

Answer 1

The author uses verbal irony to suggest that anyone could serve as the Handicapper General, as individual abilities are not valued in the societal system being discussed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author's use of verbal irony in the exchange between Hazel and George suggests that everybody would do the job of Handicapper General the same way. This is depicted by George's indifferent response to Hazel's self-appointed qualification for the role, "Good as anybody else," which implies that the role doesn't require any special abilities. Consequently, the system they are discussing is such that anyone could fill that role, as individual talents or abilities are not recognized or valued.

Answer 2

The author suggests that everyone is equally qualified to be Handicapper General due to the low standards of the position, emphasizing a satire of enforced mediocrity.The correct answer is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author's use of verbal irony in the dialogue between Hazel and George suggests that everyone is equally qualified to be the Handicapper General, which is to say, not especially qualified at all. When Hazel mentions she could be a good Handicapper General and George agrees, saying she would be "as good as anybody else," it is not to imply Hazel is particularly suited for the job, but rather to highlight that the standards for holding the position are so low that anyone could do it, implying a criticism of the system.

This emphasizes the mediocrity that the society in the narrative endorses, and it's a satirical take on the equality implemented by handicapping the populace to ensure nobody excels. The interaction is a subtle dig at how the role does not require any special skills or qualifications because everyone is reduced to the lowest common denominator of ability in their society.