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

Franklin is utilizing satire to mock his audience, under the guise of Richard Saunders, exposing societal flaws through irony and humorous pretense.

Step-by-step explanation:

As an example of satire, Franklin's use of humor and irony involves him mocking his audience by proclaiming that people are too wise to be deceived, all the while pretending to be the poor Richard Saunders. Through this persona, he ironically claims humility and lack of pretense to subtly satirize society's gullibility and superficiality. This approach to storytelling and critique is common in satirical works, where the author may assume a guise or character to deliver their criticism more effectively.