PrepTest 115, Section 3, Question 9

Working the answers

• A

  This praises Bettelheim for uncovering the true meaning. The writer instead challenges his readings as shaped by assumptions that excuse adults.

• B

  The distinction between surface and deeper readings helps explain his approach. But the writer doesn't argue that surface readings are generally more enlightening for children. The central complaint concerns what Bettelheim's interpretation distorts.

• C

  Suppressing or reinterpreting stories that don't fit his child-rearing beliefs is part of the criticism. This answer leaves out the larger point: denying adult wrongdoing turns stories into correction for children. It also expands a claim about stories that conflict with those beliefs into a historical claim about fairy-tale content generally.

• D
  Correct

  This makes the reason behind our prediction precise. The ending identifies a “need to deny adult evil” and connects it to treating children as wrongdoers in need of constant instruction. D captures that explanation and the writer's judgment that Bettelheim is mistaken.

• E

  Bettelheim doesn't dismiss fairy tales as unproductive. He values them precisely because he thinks they teach moral lessons. E assigns him the wrong attitude toward the tales.