Which historical fact helps you understand the humor in this passage? 1. Ring Lardner was a famous sportswriter.
2. The St. Louis Browns were a bad baseball team in the 1930s.
3. The Yankees won the World Series in 1937.
4. The character of Eugene is based on the playwright, Neil Simon.

How does the author's use of hyperbole to characterize jim smily? a) it characterizes smily as an introverted loner who prefers books to people. b) it characterizes smily as a man who is kind and nurturing toward others who are less fortunate. c) it characterizes smily as a man who is evil and vindictive toward any one who crosses his path. d) it characterizes smily as a man who is a risk-taker who willing bets on anything and with anyone.