Question

As an example of satire, Franklin writes and tells his audience that people are too wise to be deceived; however, he is _______ them when he tells them he is poor and takes on the persona of Richard Saunders.

1) mocking
2) praising
3) admiring
4) supporting

Answer 1

In the context of satire, Franklin is mocking his audience by presenting himself as poor through the persona of Richard Saunders, using irony to highlight their supposed wisdom. This exemplifies how satire employs humor to critique societal behaviors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Franklin, in his use of satire, writes to his audience suggesting that people are too wise to be deceived; however, he is effectively mocking them when he claims he is poor and assumes the persona of Richard Saunders. Satire is a literary device that incorporates humor, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize foolishness or vice in society, often employing irony and personification to convey its message. Franklin's statement is an example of this technique, using irony to convey wisdom while simultaneously taking on a false persona to illustrate the point.