11. Why does the author place quotation marks around the word "patriotic" (sentence 2)?
Answer: A
Wrigley's gum is described as "patriotic" to indicate a nuanced view of its association with patriotism.
The author places quotation marks around the word "patriotic" to acknowledge that while Wrigley's gum is linked to a patriotic gesture, it does not inherently possess the quality of being patriotic.
A) To acknowledge that Wrigley's gum, while associated with a patriotic gesture, is not actually patriotic
This option is correct because the quotation marks suggest a level of skepticism or irony about the term "patriotic." It implies that the gum's association with patriotism is more about marketing and public perception than a true embodiment of patriotic values.
B) To emphasize that Wrigley's gum helped American soldiers
This option is incorrect as the quotation marks do not serve to emphasize the assistance provided to soldiers. Rather, the focus is on the interpretation of the term "patriotic" itself, not the function of the gum during the war.
C) To show that American soldiers used the word patriotic to describe Wrigley's gum
This option is also incorrect. The quotation marks do not indicate that soldiers used the term "patriotic" in reference to the gum. Instead, it conveys that this label is applied by the company or society at large, rather than by the soldiers themselves.
D) To indicate that the Wrigley Company changed the name of the product to include the word patriotic
This option is incorrect because the quotation marks do not suggest that the name of the product was officially changed to include "patriotic." The use of quotation marks indicates a figurative rather than literal use of the term.
Conclusion
The placement of quotation marks around "patriotic" serves to highlight that while Wrigley's donation of gum during the war can be seen as a patriotic act, the gum itself is not inherently patriotic. This nuanced understanding sets Option A apart as the only correct choice, as it captures the irony and marketing implications associated with the term. Other options misinterpret the author's intent regarding the use of the word "patriotic."