The author's sardonic wit pervaded the novel, with characters delivering cutting observations about social hypocrisy that made readers laugh uncomfortably at recognizing their own behavior.
4
readingAs used in the text, what does the word "sardonic" most nearly mean?
A
gentle
B
mocking
C
random
D
quiet
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The passage describes "cutting observations" that made readers "laugh uncomfortably." "Mocking" captures this sharply critical, often biting humor.
Choice A is incorrect because "gentle" contradicts cutting. Choice C is incorrect because "random" doesn't describe purposeful satire. Choice D is incorrect because "quiet" doesn't convey the biting quality.