QUESTION: 105

The main purpose of this story is to appeal to the reader's interest in a subject which has been the theme of some of the greatest writers, living and dead--but which has never been, and can never be, exhausted, because it is a subject eternally interesting to all mankind. Here is one more book that depicts the struggle of a human creature, under those opposing influences of Good and Evil, which we have all felt, which we have all known.
It has been my aim to make the character of "Magdalen, " which personifies this struggle, a pathetic character even in its perversity and its error; and I have tried hard to attain this result by the least obtrusive and the least artificial of all means--by a resolute adherence throughout to the truth as it is in Nature. This design was no easy one to accomplish; and it has been a great encouragement to me (during the publication of my story in its periodical form) to know, on the authority of many readers, that the object which I had proposed to myself, I might, in some degree, consider as an object achieved.
Round the central figure in the narrative other characters will be found grouped, in sharp contrast-- contrast, for the most part, in which I have endeavored to make the element of humor mainly predominant. I have sought to impart this relief to the more serious passages in the book, not only because I believe myself to be justified in doing so by the laws of Art--but because experience has taught me (what the experience of my readers will doubtless confirm) that there is no such moral phenomenon as unmixed tragedy to be found in the world around us. Look where we may, the dark threads and the light cross each other perpetually in the texture of human life.
Which word best describes the meaning of "personifies" in 1st paragraph?

contains the qualities of goodness
represents as a human being
embodies the basic evil within
takes on the characteristics of a pathetic character
exemplifies perversity

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Personifies" effectively is a personification wherein someone or thing (in this case Magdalen), represents as a human being this struggle between Good and Evil.

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QUESTION: 106

The main purpose of this story is to appeal to the reader's interest in a subject which has been the theme of some of the greatest writers, living and dead--but which has never been, and can never be, exhausted, because it is a subject eternally interesting to all mankind. Here is one more book that depicts the struggle of a human creature, under those opposing influences of Good and Evil, which we have all felt, which we have all known.
It has been my aim to make the character of "Magdalen, " which personifies this struggle, a pathetic character even in its perversity and its error; and I have tried hard to attain this result by the least obtrusive and the least artificial of all means--by a resolute adherence throughout to the truth as it is in Nature. This design was no easy one to accomplish; and it has been a great encouragement to me (during the publication of my story in its periodical form) to know, on the authority of many readers, that the object which I had proposed to myself, I might, in some degree, consider as an object achieved.
Round the central figure in the narrative other characters will be found grouped, in sharp contrast-- contrast, for the most part, in which I have endeavored to make the element of humor mainly predominant.
I have sought to impart this relief to the more serious passages in the book, not only because I believe myself to be justified in doing so by the laws of Art--but because experience has taught me (what the experience of my readers will doubtless confirm) that there is no such moral phenomenon as unmixed tragedy to be found in the world around us. Look where we may, the dark threads and the light cross each other perpetually in the texture of human life.
What does the author likely mean when he writes, "truth as it is in Nature" in 2nd paragraph?

Natural things do not always appear as they seem.
Nature changes often as does the character in the story.
No matter what, Magdalen will be truthful.
The struggle of Good and Evil as embodied by Nature is truth.
Good and Evil are presented through Magdalen in her Natural characterization.

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Here, the author is saying that as the struggle was established in the beginning of time and has manifested itself throughout the ages in Nature, the struggle is a basic truth of nature.

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QUESTION: 107

The main purpose of this story is to appeal to the reader's interest in a subject which has been the theme of some of the greatest writers, living and dead--but which has never been, and can never be, exhausted, because it is a subject eternally interesting to all mankind. Here is one more book that depicts the struggle of a human creature, under those opposing influences of Good and Evil, which we have all felt, which we have all known.
It has been my aim to make the character of "Magdalen, " which personifies this struggle, a pathetic character even in its perversity and its error; and I have tried hard to attain this result by the least obtrusive and the least artificial of all means--by a resolute adherence throughout to the truth as it is in Nature. This design was no easy one to accomplish; and it has been a great encouragement to me (during the publication of my story in its periodical form) to know, on the authority of many readers, that the object which I had proposed to myself, I might, in some degree, consider as an object achieved.
Round the central figure in the narrative other characters will be found grouped, in sharp contrast-- contrast, for the most part, in which I have endeavored to make the element of humor mainly predominant. I have sought to impart this relief to the more serious passages in the book, not only because I believe myself to be justified in doing so by the laws of Art--but because experience has taught me (what the experience of my readers will doubtless confirm) that there is no such moral phenomenon as unmixed tragedy to be found in the world around us. Look where we may, the dark threads and the light cross each other perpetually in the texture of human life.
Why does the author believe he is justified in using humor in the work being referenced?

only because it is his artistic freedom to do so
because this art must represent life and life is humorous
because there are no pure lines between Good and Evil or humor and tragedy
because the human characteristics of Magdalen have to show both sides of humanity to be truly representative and accepted as realistic by the reader
just to show that he can master both the serious and humorous aspects of writing and to do so in a singular work is commendable

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

The author tells us that he believes that "there is no such moral phenomenon as unmixed tragedy to be found in the world around us" meaning that there are no pure lines between Good and Evil or humor and tragedy.

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QUESTION: 108

The main purpose of this story is to appeal to the reader's interest in a subject which has been the theme of some of the greatest writers, living and dead--but which has never been, and can never be, exhausted, because it is a subject eternally interesting to all mankind. Here is one more book that depicts the struggle of a human creature, under those opposing influences of Good and Evil, which we have all felt, which we have all known.
It has been my aim to make the character of "Magdalen, " which personifies this struggle, a pathetic character even in its perversity and its error; and I have tried hard to attain this result by the least obtrusive and the least artificial of all means--by a resolute adherence throughout to the truth as it is in Nature. This design was no easy one to accomplish; and it has been a great encouragement to me (during the publication of my story in its periodical form) to know, on the authority of many readers, that the object which I had proposed to myself, I might, in some degree, consider as an object achieved.
Round the central figure in the narrative other characters will be found grouped, in sharp contrast-- contrast, for the most part, in which I have endeavored to make the element of humor mainly predominant. I have sought to impart this relief to the more serious passages in the book, not only because I believe myself to be justified in doing so by the laws of Art--but because experience has taught me (what the experience of my readers will doubtless confirm) that there is no such moral phenomenon as unmixed tragedy to be found in the world around us. Look where we may, the dark threads and the light cross each other perpetually in the texture of human life.
Which selection best identifies the device used in the phrase "the dark threads and the light cross each other perpetually in the texture of human life" at the end of 3rd paragraph

alliteration
allusion
allegory
simile
metaphor

Answer(s): E

Explanation:

The phrase, "the dark threads and the light cross each other perpetually in the texture of human life" is ametaph or for the mixing and intertwining of Good and Evil across the impure lines as they present themselves through Nature.

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