Question 10

Wrigley's gum is described as 'patriotic' to reflect the perception of postwar Americans.

The use of quotation marks around the word 'patriotic' indicates that this term is attributed to the perceptions of postwar Americans rather than being a universally accepted description.

A) To attribute to postwar Americans the perception of Wrigley's gum as patriotic

This option correctly identifies the purpose of the quotation marks. It suggests that the characterization of Wrigley's gum as 'patriotic' is a reflection of how Americans viewed the product after the war, acknowledging their sentiments rather than making an objective statement.

B) To praise the patriotism the Wrigley Company demonstrated during wartime

While this option recognizes the Wrigley Company's contributions during the war, it misinterprets the use of quotation marks. The author is not praising the patriotism; instead, they are indicating that the term 'patriotic' is a subjective label given by the public.

C) To show that American soldiers used the word 'patriotic' to describe Wrigley's gum

This choice inaccurately suggests that the soldiers themselves used the term 'patriotic'. The passage does not provide evidence that soldiers described the gum this way; rather, it is the postwar American public's perception that is highlighted.

D) To reveal that the Wrigley Company changed the name of its gum to include the word 'patriotic'

This option is incorrect as the passage does not mention any name change for the gum. The quotation marks do not imply a formal name alteration but rather indicate a perception held by consumers.

Conclusion

The correct answer, A, effectively captures the author's intent in using quotation marks around 'patriotic'. It emphasizes that the term is reflective of the sentiments of postwar Americans, while the other options fail to accurately represent the context and meaning conveyed in the passage.