Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this narrative. Read this sentence from "Uses and Abuses of the Umbrella." If one were to research the history of the umbrella, one would discover that it was created with a purpose far different from that which formal umbrellists wish to attribute to it—those gentlemen who mistakenly take their umbrellas to the street when it looks like rain, unaware that they are exposing their precious devices to a washing that never figured into their plan. Which phrases from this sentence create a comic tone? Select each correct answer.

"exposing their precious devices"

A."created with a purpose"

B."the history of the umbrella"

C."when it looks like rain"

D."formal umbrellists"

In literature, the tone of an author expresses his attitude and emotions towards his piece of writing. As a result, a comic tone is the writer's perspective which is intended to cause laughter. In this passage, the humorous lines exaggerate simple words like umbrella, no rain and people fond of umbrellas, in order to create a hilarious sense in the reader.

Finally, the phrases "created with a purpose" and "the history of the umbrella" do not serve a funny intention.