Question

Professor Von Poddingcoft (or Puddinghead, as the name may be rendered into English) was long celebrated in the University of Leyden for profound gravity of deportment and a talent at going to sleep in the midst of examinations, to the infinite relief of his hopeful students, who thereby worked their way through college with great ease and little study.

What word best describes this passage?
sincere
satirical
silly
rational

Answer 1

The word that best describes this passage is satirical.

The passage is making fun of Professor Von Poddingcoft (or Puddinghead) and his reputation for being able to fall asleep during exams, which makes it easier for his students to pass. The tone is mocking and humorous, which is characteristic of satire. The passage is not meant to be taken seriously, but rather to point out the absurdity of the situation. Therefore, the word "satirical" is the most appropriate choice to describe this passage.