#10 - Specific Reference, Must Be True, Purpose

[Administrator]

Complete Question Explanation

The correct answer choice is (C).

Answer choice (A):

Answer choice (B):

Answer choice (C):

Answer choice (D):

Answer choice (E):

This explanation is still in progress. Please post any questions below!

[mollylynch]

Hi, where is evidence to support C?

[Adam Tyson]

The entire third paragraph is that evidence, Molly.

When you are asked the purpose of a word or phrase, consider the purpose of the sentence that it's in. When asked about the purpose of a sentence, consider the purpose of the whole paragraph, because the sentence has to be serving that larger purpose. Otherwise, it wouldn't belong in that paragraph at all.

The third paragraph is all about how the trickster differs from the picaro. Right from the very first word, "But," the author is describing that contrast. In the second paragraph the picaro was described as a foil to society, so saying that the trickster is not such a foil is just part of what makes them different.

[marialee]

Could I have an explanation as to why (A) is incorrect? Thanks.

[Luke Haqq]

Hi marialee!

This passage involves a compare and contrast between the trickster and picaro, with emphasis on the contrast between them. The passage is clear that "applying the term 'trickster' to both characters obscures essential differences between them."

The second paragraph starts with some of the essential characteristics of the picaro. With that foundation, the third paragraph then contrasts the picaro with the trickster. This illuminates why the author is stating that the trickster is not a foil to a corrupt society--this is instead a characteristic of the picaro, whereas the flaws of the trickster are "essential to who the trickster is."

So, on its own, answer choice (A) seems true in what it states--that the trickster is a comic figure with supernatural powers. However, that doesn't make it the correct answer, because this question is specifically asking for the function of that particular piece of text. That function is reflected by answer choice (C): its role is to "contrast the role of the trickster with that of the picaro."