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#25373
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=10524)

The correct answer choice is (C)

The answer to this Passage Organization question should be relatively straightforward, as we already know the structure of the passage from our VIEWSTAMP analysis.

Answer choice (A): This answer choice is incorrect, because the passage elaborates on only two of the positions presented in the first paragraph, not on all three of them.

Answer choice (B): This is an attractive half-right, half-wrong answer choice, suggesting that Dostoyevsky’s position is differentiated in detail from both strains of Russian literary criticism. This is incorrect. Dostoyevsky certainly disagrees with the radical critics on a large number of issues, which the author examines in full detail. The passage also alludes to another point of disagreement—that between Dostoyevsky and the Russian critics who wanted to keep art elevated above the portrayal of reality. However, the passage never differentiates these two positions in detail, making answer choice (B) incorrect.

Answer choice (C): This is the correct answer choice: three positions are presented, and the third (Dostoyevsky’s) is differentiated from the second (the radical critics’) in detail.

Answer choice (D): Whether the author regards Dostoyevsky’s views as superior to those of either strain of Russian literary criticism is not entirely clear. Be careful when making such definitive value judgments! While the author respects Dostoyevsky’s nuanced views on reality and literature, she does not explicitly endorse them or argue that the critics are mistaken. Consequently, we have no direct evidence supporting the claim that Dostoyevsky’s position is superior to the other two.

Answer choice (E): This answer choice should be easily eliminated, because the third position presented is that of Dostoyevsky’s, which is clearly not inferior to that of the radical critics.

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