Bunuel wrote:
Critic: Some writers have questioned Stalin’s sanity during his last years. They typically characterized his vindictiveness and secrecy as “paranoia” and “morbid suspiciousness,” the latter almost a standard term applied by the Soviet writers under glasnost to explain this extraordinary man’s misdeeds. But Stalin’s cruelty and deviousness are not more apparent during those years than in earlier periods of his rule. “Morbid suspiciousness” has to be a characteristic of tyrants. Without it they would not remain long in power.
Which one of the following most accurately expresses a point of disagreement between the critic and the writers?
(A) whether Stalin should be held guilty of the cruel deeds attributed to him
(B) whether Stalin’s cruel misdeeds provide evidence of morbid suspiciousness
(C) whether it is Stalin’s state of paranoia or rather his cruelty that gives the stronger reason for doubting his sanity
(D) whether tyranny tends to lead to cruelty
(E) whether it was Stalin’s psychological state or rather his political condition that was the primary cause of his cruel misdeeds
If we note carefully author's position is Stalin's position of power is reason for his cruelty.
Bunuel wrote:
“Morbid suspiciousness” has to be a characteristic of tyrants. Without it they would not remain long in power.
Whereas some writers are questioning his psychological state:
Bunuel wrote:
Some writers have questioned Stalin’s sanity during his last years.
So, Choice E seems to fit the reason of disagreement. (although I incorrectly chose D)
Bunuel wrote:
(E) whether it was Stalin’s psychological state or rather his political condition that was the primary cause of his cruel misdeeds.