Question

"[I]f his majesty, in consideration of your services, and pursuant to his own merciful disposition, would please to spare your life, and only give orders to put out both your eyes, he humbly conceived that, by this expedient, just might in some measure be satisfied, and all the world applaud the lenity of the emperor, as well as the fair and generous proceedings of those who have the honor to be his counselors. . . ." What would be the best suggestion to give to Jonathan Swift for improving the symbolism of sight in the passage? Add three long sentences into the middle of the passage. Explain the background of the statement, “in consideration of your services.” Include more words like “eyesight,” “see,” “view,” or “gaze.” Describe the personality and appearance of the counselors.

Answer 1

The correct answer is C.

By adding words relating to sight, like "see", "view" and "gaze", the author can create a more vivid symbolism of what the sense of sight means in this passage.

When it talks about putting out both of the listener's eyes, Jonathan Swift could add details including this type of words to add to the imagery of sight.