In the second paragraph of the passage, the author's use of language is crucial to her portrayal of Henry. Specifically, the option that best captures this portrayal is:
By using sarcasm, she praises Henry as generous while describing his annoying behavior to paint a humorously critical picture.
The sarcasm highlights the contrast between the outward appearance of generosity and the underlying annoyance of Henry's behavior, allowing the author to critique him while maintaining a humorous tone. This combination effectively captures the complexities of Henry's character and how he is perceived by others.