Answer: The answer is B. the absurdity of the general's cruelty.
Explanation: The last line of the poem "He will order many, this time, to be killed" is a short, single line that stands alone, emphasizing the cruelty of the general's actions. The structure of the last line separates it from the rest of the poem and draws attention to its meaning, creating a sense of abruptness that underscores the horror of the general's decision to kill innocent people based on a small and insignificant detail like the pronunciation of a word. The use of the single line also adds weight and finality to the general's decision, emphasizing the tragedy of the situation.