As a lexical definition, Ambrose Bierce's definition "Politician: An eel in the fundamental mud upon which the superstructure of organized society is reared" may be criticized as:
A) Being obscure.
B) Being too narrow.
C) Being figurative.
D) Being too broad.
E) Being negative.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bierce's definition uses figurative language comparing politicians to eels in mud, which may not be immediately clear to all readers. This could make the definition obscure, but the use of figurative language is not necessarily negative or too broad. However, it is possible that some may argue the definition is too narrow since it only focuses on the negative connotations of politicians. Nonetheless, the best choice for criticism is that it is figurative.

As a Lexical Definition, Ambrose Bierce's Definition "Politician: an Eel