Just evaluate again the argument: The meaning of poem is the unique result of an interaction between a reader's system of beliefs and the poem
2 readers from different culture or eras have radically DIFFERENT systems of beliefs

Choice (B) states the 2 readers from the 2 different eras interpret in the same way => they have the same system of belief => not true as the argument stated.

Choice (E) A reader's enjoyment of a poem is enhanced by knowing the poet's interpretation of poem => Exactly, the argument stated that "meaning cannot reside entirely within a poem itself, but is always the unique result of an interaction between a reader's system of beliefs and the poem". The interaction between the reader and the poem makes the enjoyment of reader enhanc
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I'm confused between Option (A) and (B). Both are an exception to what said by Critic.
Can someone illustrate?

Cheers,
Aj.
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In a nutshell: The critic says that the meaning of poem results from the interaction of the poem and the reader.

A. A reader's interpretation of a poem by Dickinson is affected by someone else's interpretation of it.

This one does not clearly support the critic's statement nor does it clearly disprove it. A reader's interpretation of the poem may be affected or may not be affected.

B. A modern reader and a nineteenth-century reader interpret one of Shakespeare's sonnets in the same way.

Because the reader influences a poem, presumably no two readers will interpret the poem in the same way. By no means would readers as different as a modern reader and a 19th, Century reader interpret the poem the same way. The two people are vastly different. Hence the interpretations of the poem will be very different. ANSWER.


C. A reader's interpretation of a poem evolves over time.

We change over time, and thus our interpretation of a poem changes over time.

D. Two readers from the same era arrive at different interpretations of the same poem.

This flows from the no two readers are the same observation.

E. A reader's enjoyment of a poem is enhanced by knowing the poet's interpretation of it.

Maybe, maybe not. However, nothing the critic said is incompatible with this statement.
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Christopher Lele
Magoosh Test Prep

Hi Sach
Emily Dickinson's poetry demonstrates that meaning cannot reside entirely within a poem itself. Critic has generalized his/her theory. Thus, even Shakespeare's work can be applied in this theory.
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First Attempt 710 - first-attempt-141273.html

Hi Sach, you have got a point here, but think of it the other way. Lets read the question again

Critic: Emily Dickinson's poetry demonstrates that meaning cannot reside entirely within a poem itself, but is always the unique result of an interaction between a reader's system of beliefs and the poem; and, of course, any two readers from different cultures or eras have radically different systems of beliefs. If the critic's statements are true, each of the following could be true EXCEPT:
A. A reader's interpretation of a poem by Dickinson is affected by someone else's interpretation of it.
B. A modern reader and a nineteenth-century reader interpret one of Shakespeare's sonnets in the same way.
C. A reader's interpretation of a poem evolves over time.
D. Two readers from the same era arrive at different interpretations of the same poem.
E. A reader's enjoyment of a poem is enhanced by knowing the poet's interpretation of it.

The critic believed in a theory that meaning cannot reside entirely within a poem itself which, he found, has been demonstrated by Dickinson's poetry.
I would also like to post an extract on Magoosh by Mike(I am not able to post the link!!)

"Think Broadly
When identifying assumptions, one crucial point to remember: assumptions are most often general statements, not specific statements. If my premise is “Fred has quality A,” and my conclusion is “Therefore, Fred has quality B,” then the assumption is not going to involve Fred at all. The assumption would be something like “most/all folks who have quality A also have quality B.” In trying to identify the assumption, it can helpful to remember that you can omit any specific people/places/items mentioned."

If you think in this way then you will find B as the most suitable answer.
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First Attempt 710 - first-attempt-141273.html

Critic: Emily Dickinson's poetry demonstrates that meaning cannot reside entirely within a poem itself, but is
always the unique result of an interaction between a reader's system of beliefs and the poem; and, of course,
any two readers from different cultures or eras have radically different systems of beliefs. If the critic's
statements are true, each of the following could be true EXCEPT:

A. A reader's interpretation of a poem by Dickinson is affected by someone else's interpretation of it. Could be true. As passage states: unique result of an interaction between a reader's system of beliefs . Interaction can be with Someone who affects reader's interpretation
B. A modern reader and a nineteenth-century reader interpret one of Shakespeare's sonnets in the same way. Could be true. As passage states: unique result of an interaction between a reader's system of beliefs and the poem . Although, passage do not mention anything about Shakespeare's sonnets
C. A reader's interpretation of a poem evolves over time. Could be true. As passage states: unique result of an interaction between a reader's system of beliefs .
D. Two readers from the same era arrive at different interpretations of the same poem. Note: Passage states : "meaning is always the unique result . Thus, this can't be true
E. A reader's enjoyment of a poem is enhanced by knowing the poet's interpretation of it. Could be true.

IMPORTANT: Q asks following [color=#00a651]could be true EXCEPT: [/color]
Not "MUST BE TRUE"
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