Power Score LSAT Course Test Preparation Book p. 257 #8

[saranash1]

I got the correct answer by means of process of elimination. I didn't eliminate it because I wasn't sure what the answer meant?

[Nikki Siclunov]

First, you need to understand what the "familiar" attitude mentioned in lines 5 - 10 entails. Essentially, it represents the false opposition between lowbrow and highbrow literature: enjoyable novels are lowbrow because they entertain us; true "highbrow" literature is somewhat tiresome or boring. Answer choice (C) captures the gist of this idea by suggesting that great works of literature are demanding rather than entertaining.

[saranash1]

just because a type of literature lacks art or knowledge and is "lowbrow" doesn't mean its not a great work of literature, that is if it entertains us. I'm still confused.

[BethRibet]

Hi Sara,

The attitude referenced in lines 5-9 is here:
"Perhaps underlying the debate is that familiar, false opposition set up between different kinds of fiction, according to which enjoyable novels are held to be somehow slightly lowbrow, and a novel is not considered true literature unless it is a tiny bit dull."

The author is describing an idea held by some that true literature can not be very enjoyable, and must be a bit difficult to get through (because it is dull). C, which stresses demanding (i.e. difficult) over diverting (i.e. enjoyable), best fits this type of attitude. So no, people who hold this belief would not think something can be great literature if it is enjoyable.

hope that clarifies!

Beth

[saranash1]

thanks!