In the second paragraph, the author’s depiction of the “scheme of merriment” most clearly conveys his A. naive simplicity

B. cautious optimism

C. neutral position

D. ironic perspective

E. sense of resentment

D. ironic perspective

Explanation:

Answer D

Correct. Irony emerges from the differences between an argument and the readers’ expectations or values. At the very beginning of the second paragraph, the author undermines the readers’ expectations regarding schemes of merriment (plans for enjoyment) with the assertion that “Nothing is more hopeless than a scheme of merriment.” He then goes on to describe how the anticipated pleasure of participants ends up ruining a social gathering: wits and humorists who come together “prepared to laugh and to applaud” are unable to perform as expected, and the party drags on painfully “till at last none can bear any longer the presence of the rest.” The failed social gathering is just one example that the author uses to convey his ironic perspective regarding people’s attempts to enjoy themselves; the example of the traveler who embarks on a “journey of pleasure” (paragraph 4, sentence 1) illustrates again the ironic contrast between people’s imagination of pleasurable activities and their actual experience of such activities.

d. ironic perspective

Explanation: goodluck loves!