J2S2019
generis,
Could you please explain why the tone of the passage towards anti-patriots is Neutral not cynical
J2S2019 , the author is not cynical about the anti-patriots. He is not distrustful of their sincerity. He lays out their beliefs and/or the basis of those beliefs without sounding doubtful.
The author gives a couple of clues, leaving the impression that he approves of the anti-patriots.
For example, the author observes that Herve "justly" [properly, correctly, justifiably] calls patriotism a superstition that is "far more injurious, brutal, and inhumane than religion."
The sentences that follow "justly" are not cynical. If anything, the author is cynical about patriotism.
See paragraph 2. Although we are asked only about the anti-patriots (not mentioned in paragraph 2), after we note the tone in the parts that
do mention anti-patriots, we can glean tone from other parts of the passage.
Also, the tone in paragraph 1 is subtly but rhetorically scathing. The author constructs a "straw man" -- he characterizes patriotism in such a way that it is easily assailed.
Patriotism is described as if it were once prefect and glorious. Nothing is (or was) that perfect. He sets up patriotism to take a fall.
At the very least, he respects the anti-patriots. The best answer is "laudatory."
I wonder whether your eyes mistakenly read "patriots" rather than "ANTI-patriots."
Whatever the case, you're engaged with the material.
Hope that helps.