Question

Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this narrative.

Answer 1

I would assume
A. "...for it presumes that next to every desk there ought to be a coat rack..."

Answer 2

Answer:

C. "It was made to be carried on the arm like an enormous ornamental bat..."

Explanation:

This is the statement that best shows that the author is using a humorous tone. By comparing the umbrella to an "ornamental bat," the author is being absurd. The idea of a bat designed for ornament is a silly one. Moreover, the umbrella was clearly not designed to be carried on the arm, but to be carried open in order to protect us from the rain.