Read the passage excerpt below and answer the question that follows:
"Despite the soaring inflation and widespread poverty gripping the nation, the minister insisted that the citizens were merely experiencing a 'bountiful lean harvest,' a phrase that drew bitter laughter from the struggling crowd."
In the excerpt above, what figure of speech is contained in the expression 'bountiful lean harvest', and what does it convey in context?
- Oxymoron, highlighting the glaring contradiction in the minister's statement which the crowd found absurd.Answer
- BMetaphor, suggesting that the nation would eventually achieve economic prosperity following a temporary setback.
- CHyperbole, implying that the economic hardship was greatly exaggerated by the discontented crowd.
- DEuphemism, indicating that the minister successfully cushioned the harsh reality to comfort the audience.
Answer
The correct answer is the option identifying the device as an oxymoron that highlights the glaring contradiction in the minister's statement, which the crowd found absurd.
The expression 'bountiful lean harvest' juxtaposes two contradictory words ('bountiful' meaning plentiful, and 'lean' meaning scarce). This side-by-side placement of opposing terms forms an oxymoron. In context, the minister uses this paradox to downplay economic hardship, but the crowd's reaction of 'bitter laughter' reveals that they perceive the statement as absurd and insulting.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Identifying Oxymoron and Contextual Interpretation