PrepTest 116, Section 1, Question 14
Reader-response theory, a type of literary theory that(454 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(13 more words not shown)
- Ascholarly(1 more words not shown)
- Bgrudging(1 more words not shown)
- Cthoughtless(1 more words not shown)
- Dcautious(1 more words not shown)
- Ereasoned(1 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
Our main-point prediction favored reader-response theory over formalism's narrow approach. So the attitude toward formalism should be negative. Don't substitute our own reaction: we might like the formalists' insistence that words matter, but the writer argues against their restriction to one recoverable meaning.
Working the answers
- A
Explaining both sides doesn't make the writer neutral. Formalism is called “unnecessarily narrow.”
- B
The writer grants that the text provides guidance, but the overall judgment isn't reluctant admiration. Formalism's restrictive approach is rejected.
- C
Thoughtless is the problem. The writer gives reasons for the criticism: no theory controls all meaning, and different readers continue to produce useful insights. This isn't a dismissal without consideration.
- D
Ambivalence would mean mixed or conflicting feelings. The writer has a clear preference. Acknowledging some value in textual guidance doesn't leave the two approaches evenly balanced.
- ECorrect
The writer dismisses formalism's narrow account and explains why: literary works can support useful new meanings rather than direct everyone to one fixed interpretation. Reasoned captures the argument behind that negative judgment.
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