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- Wed Apr 26, 2023 11:01 am
#101424
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: viewtopic.php?f=894&t=38299)
The correct answer choice is (A).
This question asks for what the passage suggests about Cullen's controlled use of poetic forms.
For these "suggest" questions, you often have to combine two or more statements in the passage to make an inference that isn't directly stated in the passage, but logically makes sense when combined.
The first step in answering this question is returning to the passage to revisit this topic in more detail. Lines 10-11 state that Cullen preferred controlled use of poetic forms. (A word search for "controlled poetic forms" would take you right to these lines if needed, although proper diagramming and knowing the structure of the passage should be sufficient.)
Generally, it is a good idea to start reading about 5 lines above the relevant lines for context. Starting in line 6, the passage describes Cullen's poetry as romantic poetry on universal topics. The next sentence quotes Cullen describing his view of what poetry should ideally be "lofty thoughts beautifully expressed" (lines 9-10).
This leads right into the statement that Cullen preferred controlled poetic forms.
Since Cullen believed that poetry should be beautifully expressed thoughts and preferred controlled poetic forms as his method of poetry, it's reasonable that Cullen believed these forms were the best way (at least for him) to achieve this goal.
Answer choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. As discussed above, this idea is suggested by the passage by discussing Cullen's preferred method of poetry immediately after his stated belief of what poetry should ideally do.
Answer choice (B): While Cullen had an interest in religious themes, there is nothing in the passage to suggest that this interest "naturally led" to controlled poetic forms.
Answer choice (C): This answer is exaggerated and is not supported by the passage. The words "only" and "most controlled" are enough to eliminate this answer, as neither appears in the passage in this context.
Answer choice (D): This answer is not discussed in the passage. Specifically, this answer refers to a time prior to Cullen's university years. In the passage, Cullen's identification as a poet started with his university years (line 6).
Answer choice (E): This answer is also not discussed in the passage. While some of Cullen's critics found his use of European verse forms unsuited to racial themes (lines 23-25), this is not the same as controlled forms in general. In addition, Cullen (and likely the author) would reject these criticisms.
(See the complete passage discussion here: viewtopic.php?f=894&t=38299)
The correct answer choice is (A).
This question asks for what the passage suggests about Cullen's controlled use of poetic forms.
For these "suggest" questions, you often have to combine two or more statements in the passage to make an inference that isn't directly stated in the passage, but logically makes sense when combined.
The first step in answering this question is returning to the passage to revisit this topic in more detail. Lines 10-11 state that Cullen preferred controlled use of poetic forms. (A word search for "controlled poetic forms" would take you right to these lines if needed, although proper diagramming and knowing the structure of the passage should be sufficient.)
Generally, it is a good idea to start reading about 5 lines above the relevant lines for context. Starting in line 6, the passage describes Cullen's poetry as romantic poetry on universal topics. The next sentence quotes Cullen describing his view of what poetry should ideally be "lofty thoughts beautifully expressed" (lines 9-10).
This leads right into the statement that Cullen preferred controlled poetic forms.
Since Cullen believed that poetry should be beautifully expressed thoughts and preferred controlled poetic forms as his method of poetry, it's reasonable that Cullen believed these forms were the best way (at least for him) to achieve this goal.
Answer choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. As discussed above, this idea is suggested by the passage by discussing Cullen's preferred method of poetry immediately after his stated belief of what poetry should ideally do.
Answer choice (B): While Cullen had an interest in religious themes, there is nothing in the passage to suggest that this interest "naturally led" to controlled poetic forms.
Answer choice (C): This answer is exaggerated and is not supported by the passage. The words "only" and "most controlled" are enough to eliminate this answer, as neither appears in the passage in this context.
Answer choice (D): This answer is not discussed in the passage. Specifically, this answer refers to a time prior to Cullen's university years. In the passage, Cullen's identification as a poet started with his university years (line 6).
Answer choice (E): This answer is also not discussed in the passage. While some of Cullen's critics found his use of European verse forms unsuited to racial themes (lines 23-25), this is not the same as controlled forms in general. In addition, Cullen (and likely the author) would reject these criticisms.