D Because the bombing of Pearl Harbor did happen but the characters are not real people
B. he's making a rude gesture
As far as I could see while reading, the passage's main purpose is to reflect upon the challenges and hardships endured by Americans under the tyrannic, British rule. I hope that helps.
pal·pa·ble
[ˈpalpəb(ə)l]
ADJECTIVE
(of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense as to seem almost tangible.
"a palpable sense of loss"
synonyms: perceptible · perceivable · visible · noticeable · appreciable · discernible · detectable · observable · tangible · recognizable · notable · unmistakable · transparent · indisputable · self-evident · incontrovertible · incontestable · undeniable · obvious · clear · plain · plain to see · evident · apparent · manifest · patent · marked · conspicuous · pronounced · striking · distinct · as plain as a pikestaff · as plain as the nose on one's face · standing/sticking out like a sore thumb · standing/sticking out a mile · right under one's nose · staring one in the face · writ large · beyond doubt · beyond question · written all over someone · as clear as day · blinding · inescapable · overt · open · undisguised · unconcealed · glaring · blatant · flagrant · barefaced · gross · stark
antonyms: intangible · imperceptible
plain to see or comprehend.
"to talk of dawn raids in the circumstances is palpable nonsense"
synonyms: undisguised · plain · unadorned · unvarnished · unveiled · unqualified · stark · bald · unexaggerated · simple · overt · obvious · open · patent · evident · apparent · manifest · unmistakable · palpable · blatant · glaring · flagrant · barefaced · out-and-out · unmitigated
able to be touched or felt.
"the palpable bump at the bridge of the nose"
synonyms: tangible · touchable · noticeable · detectable · solid · concrete · material · substantial · real
