Q7

[jiehaep]

7. (E)
Question Type: Synthesis (1-7, 22-28, 48-50)
This question requires that we understand Gluck’s view on the poetic tradition in English as represented throughout the passage, combining those different elements into a cohesive statement. The author places much emphasis on Gluck’s belief in "universal" subjects and her rejection of "an essentially female perspective." In the final paragraph, however, Gluck uses the phrase "to the extent that there are some gender differences that have been shaped by history," acknowledging that there are some differences, and she never disputes the repeated contention that poetry is a male-dominated tradition. Choice (E) best synthesizes these thoughts.
(A) is an unsupported interpretation. The passage does not show that Gluck believes the tradition is in any way diminished.
(B) is a contradictory interpretation. In the final paragraph, Gluck is described as believing that literature "inevitably speaks of its social and historical context."
(C) is a contradictory interpretation. Gluck stands in opposition to the critics who believe this.
(D) is an unsupported interpretation. The first paragraph mentions the tradition-as-inheritance, but nowhere is Gluck quoted as believing that the view of the tradition-as-inheritance is a necessary condition for success.

[laura.bach]

Hello,

I picked (B) originally based on lines 20 - 23:

"These subjects -- loss, the passage of time, desire -- are timeless, available to readers of any age, gender, or social background."

I see where later (at lines 56) the author writes: "literature, she maintains, is inescapably historical, and every work... inevitably speaks of its social and historical context."

I originally thought even if the tradition speaks of its historical / social context, it seems like she thinks the themes could transcend those boundaries, and I wasn't so sure she'd agree with the idea that it was male dominated.

Just some clarification on ruling out B would be appreciated. Thank you!

[ShiyuF391]

Hello,

I picked (B) originally based on lines 20 - 23:

"These subjects -- loss, the passage of time, desire -- are timeless, available to readers of any age, gender, or social background."

I see where later (at lines 56) the author writes: "literature, she maintains, is inescapably historical, and every work... inevitably speaks of its social and historical context."

I originally thought even if the tradition speaks of its historical / social context, it seems like she thinks the themes could transcend those boundaries, and I wasn't so sure she'd agree with the idea that it was male dominated.

Just some clarification on ruling out B would be appreciated. Thank you!

I picked B as well, and I chose it for the exact same reason as yours. When I read the last sentence of the paragraph again, I kind of realized it just says "speaks", which is much lighter than "transcends". Choice B is an alluring answer that tempts people in making further inferences as thinking speak would lead to transcend.

HTH.