Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardContextual Word Meaning and Vocabulary in Passages

Read the following passage carefully:

"When the new decree was proclaimed in the square, a heavy silence fell over the gathered crowd. The governor spoke at length of fiscal recovery and civic duty, painting a vision of eventual prosperity. Yet, beneath his polished rhetoric, the villagers recognized his velvet language for what it truly was—a soft veil drawn over an impending tax burden designed to lull them into compliance."

In the passage above, what does the phrase "velvet language" contextually mean?

  1. Smooth, reassuring speech meant to mask an unpleasant realityAnswer
  2. B
    Soft, luxurious fabric used in official ceremonial garments
  3. C
    Traditional poetic diction characterized by soft vowel sounds
  4. D
    Formal legal terminology spoken exclusively by government officials

Answer

Smooth, reassuring speech meant to mask an unpleasant reality
The passage contrasts the governor's comforting, 'polished rhetoric' with the harsh reality of an 'impending tax burden.' The phrase 'velvet language' is used metaphorically to mean smooth, reassuring words that disguise an unpleasant truth.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the surrounding context of the target phrase within the passage.
The governor is delivering a speech about 'fiscal recovery' and 'civic duty' while introducing an 'impending tax burden.'
Context clues reveal the true nature of the situation being described.
2
Examine the figurative metaphor 'velvet language' alongside its parallel clause.
The phrase is directly equated with 'a soft veil drawn over an impending tax burden designed to lull them into compliance.'
'Velvet' denotes smoothness and comfort, contrasting with the harshness of a tax decree.
3
Deduce the contextual meaning and select the matching interpretation.
The phrase signifies smooth, comforting words used deceptively to hide an oppressive measure.
This captures both the figurative metaphor and the thematic intent of the author.

Key Concept

Contextual Word Meaning and Figurative Interpretation
Rate this question

Topics

Contextual Word Meaning and Vocabulary in Passages

More questions from this topic