In the 1850s, several literary critics began to propose that the plays

Question

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Passage # 33, Date: 17-Apr-2020
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In the 1850s, several literary critics began to propose that the plays generally ascribed to Shakespeare had, in fact, been written by Sir Francis Bacon and that Shakespeare had made no real contribution to the composition of the plays he later became renowned for. Modern scholarship, however, tends to dismiss any role that Bacon may have played in inspiring and informing Shakespeare, considering the notion that Bacon penned the plays himself the babble of misguided zealots and, further, blasphemy.

This controversial thesis has recently gained new ground, though, with the publication of Gail Gross’s fascinating new book,  The Magus and the Bard . The crux of Gross’s argument concerns the fact that there is a distinct alchemical thought recurrent in Shakespeare’s writing and that, even though the Hermetic practices central to alchemy may have been known to Shakespeare, Bacon was undeniably well versed in them and had written extensively on the subject in numerous essays whose phrasings are remarkably similar to those found in plays such as  Romeo and Juliet.

In fact, as Gross lays out her case for Bacon’s authorship, she devotes a large portion of it to an intricate analysis of this most popular work of the Shakespearean canon. Gross contends that the union of  Romeo and Juliet , two star-crossed lovers from feuding families, is symbolic of the alchemical formula for what is known as the  prima materia , a union of opposites with transformational potential. In alchemy, this process is achieved through the use of the “universal solvent” mercury. In the play, the lovers’ tragic end comes about after Romeo’s friend Mercutio is slain. Alchemically, mercury is considered both male and female in its character, while the character of Mercutio is often portrayed as androgynous. The end result of the alchemical formula is that most pure of all elements, gold, and in the epilogue of  Romeo and Juliet , Gross notes, the formerly feuding families decide to erect a memorial to the lovers “in pure gold.”

What Gross’s argument lacks in persuasiveness, it makes up for in minutiae. An entire chapter explores the possible meaning of Juliet’s age (14 years) in alchemical terms and the significance of her birthday’s coincidence with the feast of Lammas. Another chapter discusses the relationship of the name Romeo to Sirius, the “dog star.”

Unfortunately, in the final analysis, instead of cogently making her case for Bacon’s having been responsible for the alchemical imagery in Shakespeare’s plays and thus having been the actual author of them, Gross spends the last chapters of the book railing against what she calls “Shakespeare apologists,” stating that they have developed such admiration for their own imaginings of who Shakespeare was that they have lost sight of the man himself and are unable to realize that Shakespeare was not sufficiently educated to have included such profound and esoteric ideas in his plays. Apparently, only Sir Francis Bacon could have done so.   
 1 
 1. How would those described as “Shakespeare apologists” be most likely to explain the theories concerning Bacon that were popular in the mid-nineteenth century?

A. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays were misguided, the victims of a delusion brought about by a too intensive focus on Bacon’s alchemical works.
B. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays did not recognize how much of a genius Shakespeare truly was.
C. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays had come to the realization that Bacon was the only man intelligent enough to have written plays with such deep meaning.
D. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays have undermined the stability of Shakespearean scholarship and caused many rifts between those who study Shakespeare’s plays.
E. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays have since apologized to the more devoted scholars and devotees of Shakespeare.

2 
 2. The author’s main purpose in writing this passage is to

A. examine the merits of both sides of a current debate in literature.
B. review the argument of a new book on the works of Shakespeare.
C. analyze the position of those referred to as “Shakespeare apologists.”
D. lend support to a controversial view of Shakespearean authorship.
E. promote further study of Bacon’s alchemical works.

3 
 3. It can be inferred that the author of The Magus and the Bard would agree with which of the following statements about  Romeo and Juliet ?

A. Most of the phrasings in  Romeo and Juliet  are identical to those found in the writings of Bacon.
B. Though  Romeo and Juliet  were in opposition to each other, they were both actually very similar in character.
C. The end of the feud between the families of  Romeo and Juliet  is symbolic of the transformational power of the  prima materia .
D. The character of Mercutio should be portrayed as strong and manly in accord with the alchemical symbolism of the play.
E. The theme of  Romeo and Juliet  reflects alchemical thinking, but the details of the play merely serve the story line and have little meaning.

4 
 4. The author points to all of the following as possible instances of alchemical symbolism in  Romeo and Juliet  EXCEPT:

A. portrayals of Mercutio’s sexuality
B. the statue erected in  Romeo and Juliet’s  honor
C.  Romeo’s  name
D. the characters’ use of mercury
E.  Romeo and Juliet’s  feuding families

5 
 5. It can be determined from the passage that certain scholars in the nineteenth century believed that

A. Shakespeare was not the author of the plays credited to him.
B. Bacon had been falsely accused of plagiarism.
C. Shakespeare had needed the help of other writers when composing his plays.
D. Bacon had provided the thematic and symbolic core of Shakespeare’s works.
E. Shakespeare had had no direct ties to Bacon.

6 
 6. The second paragraph implies that during Shakespeare's time

A. only the wealthiest and most educated knew about alchemy.
B. the subject of alchemy was better suited to the medium of essays than to that of the theatre.
C. one didn’t have to be an expert in alchemy to be aware of its conventions.
D. someone of Shakespeare's standing would have been incapable of using alchemical allusions in a play.
E. many playwrights based their works on the ideas put forward in scholarly essays.

Sajjad1994 · Accepted Answer

Official Explanation

1. How would those described as “Shakespeare apologists” be most likely to explain the theories concerning Bacon that were popular in the mid-nineteenth century?

Difficulty Level:   700

Explanation

Identify the Question Type:

This is an Inference question. The correct choice will indicate something the reader can infer about the "Shakespeare apologists."

Research Relevant Text:

The Shakespeare apologists are mentioned in the last paragraph. There, the author relates how Gross disagrees with the apologists, saying that “they have developed such admiration for their own imaginings of who Shakespeare was” that they overlook the fact that Shakespeare was not educated.

Predict the Answer:

If Gross thinks the apologists overlook the fact that Shakespeare was not educated, and the apologists believe Shakespeare did indeed write the works attributed to him, it can be inferred that the apologists believe Shakespeare was smarter than his lack of education would indicate.

Evaluate the Choices:

(B)  matches the prediction and is correct. It reflects the ideas of the apologists, that Shakespeare was a great man, intelligent despite his lack of education, and thus able to write his own work.

(A)  correctly states that the earlier scholars were misguided, but there is no reason to think the apologists would say the earlier scholars were too intensively focused on Bacon’s works. The passage mentions only Gail Gross as interested in Bacon's knowledge of alchemy. Additionally, "victims of a delusion" is too strong and unsupported by the passage.

(C)  is incorrect because all the passage relates is Gross' view that Shakespeare wasn't educated enough to write the plays, and that only Bacon could have done so. There is nothing in the passage to suggest that the apologists have any opinion on why the theorists felt only Bacon could have written the works.

(D)  is incorrect. There is no evidence that scholars today are feuding over the authorship of Shakespeare’s plays — in fact, the first paragraph indicates that most scholars today dispute the ideas of the nineteenth century scholars.

(E)  is incorrect. It misuses the word “apologist.” An apologist is someone who supports, not necessarily someone who apologizes, and not someone who accepts apologies from those who once disagreed.

TAKEAWAY:  An Inference question will sometimes ask you to combine details found in different sections of the passage.

Answer: B

2. The author’s main purpose in writing this passage is to

Difficulty Level:   650

Explanation

Identify the Question Type:

This is a Global question, asking for the main purpose of the passage as a whole.

Research Relevant Text:

Global questions generally do not require research in the passage. Everything needed to answer this question should be reflected in the passage map and the earlier analysis of Topic, 
Scope, and Purpose.

Predict the Answer:

The author's purpose in writing the passage was to review Gross' book, which offers evidence that Francis Bacon wrote the plays attributed to Shakespeare.

Evaluate the Choices:

(B)  matches the prediction and is correct; the author is merely reviewing a new book about Shakespearean authorship.

(A)  is incorrect because although the author mentions those who support Shakespeare (the apologists), the focus of the passage is the topic of Gail Gross’ new book: the theory that Bacon wrote the plays.

(C)  is incorrect because the author does not go into great detail about the idea of the apologists — in fact, only one paragraph mentions the apologists and even there the discussion is limited.

(D)  is wrong because the author never puts forward his own opinion about the idea of Shakespearean authorship.

(E)  wrongfully focuses on Bacon's alchemical essays. These are discussed only in the second paragraph, and the author never promotes the study of them.

TAKEAWAY:  With Global questions, watch out for trap answers that are consistent with the passage but are too narrow. Global questions ask about the passage as a whole.

Answer: B

3. It can be inferred that the author of The Magus and the Bard would agree with which of the following statements about Romeo and Juliet?

Difficulty Level:   700

Explanation

Identify the Question Type:

As clearly indicated by the question stem, this is an Inference question, asking about something that can be known for sure about Gross, the author of The Magus and the Bard.

Research Relevant Text:

Romeo and Juliet is discussed in paragraph three. There, the author reports that Gross believes the union of Romeo and Juliet is symbolic of the alchemical formula of the prima materia. The end result of the alchemical formula is gold, and in the epilogue of Romeo and Juliet, the formerly feuding families decide to erect a memorial to Romeo and Juliet in pure gold.

Predict the Answer:

It can be inferred that Gross would see the gold memorial as a symbol of the transformation of the prima materia into gold.

Evaluate the Choices:

(C)  matches the prediction and is correct.

(A)  is incorrect. The end of the second paragraph states that the phrasings in Bacon’s essays are similar to those in Shakespeare’s plays, not that they are identical.

(B)  is wrong because there is no information that indicates that Romeo and Juliet are similar in character.

(D)  contradicts the passage, which states is that mercury is considered both male and female and that Mercutio is often portrayed as androgynous (both male and female).

(E)  contradicts the fourth paragraph of the passage, which says that Gross believes the minute details of the story also have alchemical meaning.

TAKEAWAY:  The correct answer to an Inference question will be supported by the passage even though it is not explicitly stated.

Answer: C

4. The author points to all of the following as possible instances of alchemical symbolism in Romeo and Juliet EXCEPT:

Difficulty Level:   700

Explanation

Identify the Question Type:

This is a Detail EXCEPT question. The four incorrect answer choices will mention details included in the passage; the correct answer will be something not mentioned.

Research Relevant Text:

The research clue in the question stem, "alchemical symbolism," points to paragraphs 3 and 4 (according to the passage map). Look up each choice in those paragraphs, and eliminate those choices that can be found in the passage.

Predict the Answer:

Since the question is asking for something that is not in the passage, Detail EXCEPT questions are not predictable.

Evaluate the Choices:

(D)  is NOT mentioned in the passage, and is therefore correct. Though the author mentions the alchemical importance of mercury, he does not state that the element is used in the play or specifically referred to in the play, only that the character Mercutio’s name may be derived from mercury.

(A)  is mentioned in the passage and is therefore incorrect. In the third paragraph, the author points out that portrayals of Mercutio as androgynous (both male and female) are symbolic of the alchemical beliefs about the element mercury.

(B)  is mentioned in the passage and is therefore incorrect. In the third paragraph, the author points out that the gold memorial to Romeo and Juliet may be symbolic of the fact that gold is the end result of the prima materia formula, which is meant to combine opposites in a transformational way.

(C)  is mentioned in the passage and is therefore incorrect. In the fourth paragraph, the author briefly notes that Romeo’s name may be related to the star Sirius, an important astronomical symbol for alchemists.

(E)  is mentioned in the passage and is therefore incorrect. The author indicates that Romeo and Juliet’s feuding families show that they are a combination of opposites, the prima materia formula.

TAKEAWAY:  In Detail EXCEPT questions, the four wrong choices can be found in the passage. Research, find them, and eliminate those choices.

Answer: D

5. It can be determined from the passage that certain scholars in the nineteenth century believed that

Difficulty Level:   550

Explanation

Identify the Question Type:

This is a Detail question, asking about something that can be determined from the passage.

Research Relevant Text:

The author mentions nineteenth-century scholars in the first paragraph.

Predict the Answer:

The nineteenth-century scholars proposed that the plays ascribed to or credited to Shakespeare had been “written by Sir Francis Bacon and that Shakespeare had made no real contribution to the composition of the plays.”

Evaluate the Choices:

(A)  matches the prediction and is correct. The nineteenth-century scholars in question believed that Francis Bacon, not Shakespeare, was the author of the plays accredited to Shakespeare.

(B)  is incorrect. There is no mention of plagiarism in reference to the nineteenth century scholars.

(C)  is incorrect. The passage says that the scholars believed Shakespeare made no real contribution to the writing of the plays.

(D)  is incorrect. It implies that Bacon provided the ideas but that Shakespeare still did the writing. The scholars, on the other hand, believed that Shakespeare did not write the plays at all.

(E)  is incorrect. It cannot be proved or disproved from the passage that Shakespeare had no connection with Bacon.

TAKEAWAY:  The correct choice in a Detail question will stick very closely to the wording in the passage. The incorrect choices might seem plausible, but will lack that explicit support.

Answer: A

Hope it helps

SiffyB · Answer

1. How would those described as “Shakespeare apologists” be most likely to explain the theories concerning Bacon that were popular in the mid-nineteenth century?
 
A. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays were misguided, the victims of a delusion brought about by a too intensive focus on Bacon’s alchemical works.
  B. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays did not recognize how much of a genius Shakespeare truly was. 
 C. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays had come to the realization that Bacon was the only man intelligent enough to have written plays with such deep meaning.
D. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays have undermined the stability of Shakespearean scholarship and caused many rifts between those who study Shakespeare’s plays.
E. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays have since apologized to the more devoted scholars and devotees of Shakespeare.

According to the final paragraph, the apologists "have developed such admiration for their own imaginings of who Shakespeare was that they have lost sight of the man himself". Thus, we can say that the apologists believe that Shakespeare is a genius and this gives credence to option (B), which is the correct answer here. According to the passage, the apologists hold no view about Bacon and, thus, we can safely eliminate options (A) and (C). Also, no rifts were created between those who study Shakespeare's plays, so (D) is out as it presents outside information. (E) is out because these people have not apologized to the devoted scholars. No apology of any sort ahs been discussed in the passage.

2. The author’s main purpose in writing this passage is to
 
A. examine the merits of both sides of a current debate in literature.
  B. review the argument of a new book on the works of Shakespeare. 
 C. analyze the position of those referred to as “Shakespeare apologists.”
D. lend support to a controversial view of Shakespearean authorship.
E. promote further study of Bacon’s alchemical works.

To determine the main purpose of a passage, be sure to make paragraph summaries and collate them to determine the overal intent of the author. 
(A) is incorrect because merots of both sides of the debate are not discussed.
(B) is the correct answer because the author does give in his views about the new book on the works of Shakespeare. He lists main points from the book and then goes on to show his disappointment with how the author ended the book.
(C) is incorrect because it is not the main point of the passage. Also, the position of the apologists is not discussed much in the passage. The opposing view is discussed much more. 
(D) is incorrect because the author doesn't lend support to any view.
(E) is incorrect because the author is not concerned about further research into Bacon's works.

3. It can be inferred that the author of The Magus and the Bard would agree with which of the following statements about Romeo and Juliet?
 
  A. Most of the phrasings in Romeo and Juliet are identical to those found in the writings of Bacon. 
 B. Though Romeo and Juliet were in opposition to each other, they were both actually very similar in character.
C. The end of the feud between the families of Romeo and Juliet is symbolic of the transformational power of the prima materia.
D. The character of Mercutio should be portrayed as strong and manly in accord with the alchemical symbolism of the play.
E. The theme of Romeo and Juliet reflects alchemical thinking, but the details of the play merely serve the story line and have little meaning.

We will try and answer this using POE. 
(A) uses "most" which means >50% to all. Can we say that surety? Also, while the passage does state that the phrasings are remarkarbly similar, does that mean that they're 'identical'? We can't reject this option for sure, so let's just keep it for the time being.
(B) Nowhere has it been suggested that Romeo and Juliet are very similar in character. So, this option is out.
(C) The union of Romeo and Juliet is symbolic of the alchemical formula for what is known as the prima materia, not the end of the feud. So, this is out.
(D) Clearly, Mercutio is androgynous (part male, part female) and, thus, this option is incorrect.
(E) The details in the play are not irrelevant, they also have a deep meaning attached as discussed in the passage. Thus, this choice is also out.

(A) seems to be our best bet.

4. The author points to all of the following as possible instances of alchemical symbolism in Romeo and Juliet EXCEPT:
 
A. portrayals of Mercutio’s sexuality
B. the statue erected in Romeo and Juliet’s honor
  C. Romeo’s name 
 D. the characters’ use of mercury
E. Romeo and Juliet’s feuding families

(A), (B) and (E) are clearly indicated in the passage. However, there is a lot of confusion looming over options (C) and (D). While Romeo's name is mentioned in the passage, it is not done in alchemical terms. Also, the characters in the play have not been known to use mercury, so that is also something disturbing. However, for lack of a choice, I will go with option (C) because relationship between Romeo's name and the name of Dog star (Sirius) definitely is not a possible instance of alchemical symbolism in Romeo and Juliet.

5. It can be determined from the passage that certain scholars in the nineteenth century believed that
 
  A. Shakespeare was not the author of the plays credited to him. 
 B. Bacon had been falsely accused of plagiarism.
C. Shakespeare had needed the help of other writers when composing his plays.
D. Bacon had provided the thematic and symbolic core of Shakespeare’s works.
E. Shakespeare had had no direct ties to Bacon.

Nineteenth century refers to the period from 1801 to 1900. Thus, we have to refer to the first sentence of the passage which talks about scholars in 1850s. Through this sentence, we get to know that they believe that Shakespeare was not the author of the plays that are credited to him. Therefore, option (A) is the correct answer here.

Gowtham91 · Answer

Q1.
 A. Correct  This can be inferred from last sentence of first para. "considering the notion that Bacon penned the plays himself the babble of misguided zealots and, further, blasphemy."
B. This is true for the Gross's view towards "Shakespeare Aplologists"
C. This is what "Shakespeare apologists" failed to recognise as per the author of "Magus and the Bard"
D. This is partially correct. They did not create any rifts between those who study Shakespeare plays.
E. This can't be inferred from the passage.

Q2. 
A. Merits of Shakespeare supporters' views are not taken into consideration. 
B. This is true. But this is not the main idea of the passage.
C. Same as B.
 D. Correct  Para1 introduces the controversy. Para2,3 & 4 discusses only one side of the controversy and hence the main idea of the passage is to lend support to the Bacon only. 
E. No such recommendations provided.

Q3.
A. This is explicitly mentioned in the last sentenc of para2. It need not be inferred. 
B. This can't be inferred.
 C. Correct  This can be inferred from sentence 2 "two star-crossed lovers from feuding families, is symbolic of the alchemical formula for what is known as the prima materia," and last sentence of para2 "the formerly feuding families decide to erect a memorial to the lovers “in pure gold.”"
D & E can't be inferred.

Q4. 
A. This is mentioned from para3 - "Alchemically, mercury is considered both male and female in its character,"
B. Same as A. "erect a memorial to the lovers “in pure gold.”"
C. This is mentioned in para4. "Another chapter discusses the relationship of the name Romeo to Sirius, the “dog star.”"
 D. Correct  The character's does not use mercury.
E. This is mentioned in para3. "union of Romeo and Juliet, two star-crossed lovers from feuding families, is symbolic of the alchemical formula for what is known as the prima materia,"

Q5. 
 A. Correct  Only A can be inferred from the opening sentence of the passage "In the 1850s, several literary critics began to propose that the plays generally ascribed to Shakespeare had, in fact, been  written by Sir Francis Bacon  and that Shakespeare had made no real contribution to the composition of the plays he later became renowned for."

SSandy066 · Answer

1.How would those described as “Shakespeare apologists” be most likely to explain the theories concerning Bacon that were popular in the mid-nineteenth century?
A. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays were misguided, the victims of a delusion brought about by a too intensive focus on Bacon’s alchemical works. -> Correct 
 Exp:
Para 5 “..instead of cogently, making her case for Bacon’s having been responsible for the alchemical imagery in Shakespeare’s plays.. stating that they have developed such admiration for their own imaginings of who Shakespeare was that they have lost sight of the man himself and are unable to realize that Shakespeare was not sufficiently educated to have included such profound and esoteric ideas in his plays..” 
B. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays did not recognize how much of a genius Shakespeare truly was.
C. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays had come to the realization that Bacon was the only man intelligent enough to have written plays with such deep meaning.
D. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays have undermined the stability of Shakespearean scholarship and caused many rifts between those who study Shakespeare’s plays.
E. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays have since apologized to the more devoted scholars and devotees of Shakespeare.

2.The author’s main purpose in writing this passage is to
A. examine the merits of both sides of a current debate in literature.
B. review the argument of a new book on the works of Shakespeare. -> Correct
Exp:
Para 1 . Introduction of controversy that Shakespeare work is written by Bacon. Modern scholarship view against controversy.
Para2: new ground for controversy discussing about Gail Gross’s fascinating new book. And how Gail provide new ground for controversy based on Hermetic practices central to alchemy and relation with Shakespears and Bacon.
Para3: Gail’s case in support of bacon Analysis of Romeo & Juliet with alchemical formula.
Para 4: Gail’s argument shortages.
Para 5: Discussing about Gail’s final analysis , which is not much clear 
C. analyze the position of those referred to as “Shakespeare apologists.”
D. lend support to a controversial view of Shakespearean authorship.
E. promote further study of Bacon’s alchemical works.

3.It can be inferred that the author of The Magus and the Bard would agree with which of the following statements about Romeo and Juliet?
A. Most of the phrasings in Romeo and Juliet are identical to those found in the writings of Bacon.
B. Though Romeo and Juliet were in opposition to each other, they were both actually very similar in character.
C. The end of the feud between the families of Romeo and Juliet is symbolic of the transformational power of the prima materia.
D. The character of Mercutio should be portrayed as strong and manly in accord with the alchemical symbolism of the play. ->Correct.
Exp:
Para3: “….In alchemy, this process is achieved through the use of the “universal solvent” mercury. In the play, the lovers’ tragic end comes about after Romeo’s friend Mercutio is slain. Alchemically, mercury is considered both male and female in its character, while the character of Mercutio is often portrayed as androgynous.” 
E. The theme of Romeo and Juliet reflects alchemical thinking, but the details of the play merely serve the story line and have little meaning.

4.The author points to all of the following as possible instances of alchemical symbolism in Romeo and Juliet EXCEPT:
A. portrayals of Mercutio’s sexuality.  -Mentioned in para 3 “…Mercutio is often portrayed as androgynous…” 
B. the statue erected in Romeo and Juliet’s honor.-  Mentioned in Para 3 “.. formerly feuding families decide to erect a memorial to the lovers “in pure gold.” 
C. Romeo’s name ->Correct. 
D. the characters’ use of mercury - Mentioned in Para 3 “….this process is achieved through the use of the “universal solvent” mercury..” 
E. Romeo and Juliet’s feuding families -Mentioned in para 3”.. he union of Romeo and Juliet, two star-crossed lovers from feuding families,”

5.It can be determined from the passage that certain scholars in the nineteenth century believed that
A. Shakespeare was not the author of the plays credited to him. -> Correct
Exp:
Para 1 “In the 1850s, several literary critics began to propose that the plays generally ascribed to Shakespeare had, in fact, been written by Sir Francis Bacon and that Shakespeare had made no real contribution to the composition of the plays he later became renowned for.” 
B. Bacon had been falsely accused of plagiarism.
C. Shakespeare had needed the help of other writers when composing his plays.
D. Bacon had provided the thematic and symbolic core of Shakespeare’s works.
E. Shakespeare had had no direct ties to Bacon.

AnirudhaS · Answer

Answers are on  bold .

1. How would those described as “Shakespeare apologists” be most likely to explain the theories concerning Bacon that were popular in the mid-nineteenth century?
A. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays were misguided, the victims of a delusion brought about by a too intensive focus on Bacon’s alchemical works.
 B. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays did not recognize how much of a genius Shakespeare truly was. 
C. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays had come to the realization that Bacon was the only man intelligent enough to have written plays with such deep meaning.
D. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays have undermined the stability of Shakespearean scholarship and caused many rifts between those who study Shakespeare’s plays.
E. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays have since apologized to the more devoted scholars and devotees of Shakespeare.

Explanation of question 1 
Shakespeare apologists were in favour of the idea that Shakespeare wrote all is works himself. So the apologists were in awe of the man, therefore forgot that he was not educated enough to be capable of writing such intricate works.
A - The first part of the sentence would be correct according to the apologists but not the second part.
B - If Shakespeare was a genius, as thought by the apologists, this would in accordance to the apologists mindset. Keep this in.
C - Although this might be true, this was not what the apologists thought.
D - stability of Shakespearean scholarship? Whats stability to do here? Out.
E - No party has apologized, so this is wrong.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. The author’s main purpose in writing this passage is to
 A. examine the merits of both sides of a current debate in literature. 
B. review the argument of a new book on the works of Shakespeare.
C. analyze the position of those referred to as “Shakespeare apologists.”
D. lend support to a controversial view of Shakespearean authorship.
E. promote further study of Bacon’s alchemical works.

Explanation of question 2 
A - Current debate - Whether Shakespeare wrote the books he is credited for? It is a yin-yang passage so both sides of the argument is stated. This is the main idea of the passage.
B - The new book is an example used in the passage, but this is NOT the main idea.
C - Too narrow.
D - Actually the support is more towards the fact that Shakespeare wrote the works without external help/influence.
E - Definitely not, where is the debate between the actual author of Romeo and Juliet? Out.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. It can be inferred that the author of The Magus and the Bard would agree with which of the following statements about Romeo and Juliet?
 A. Most of the phrasings in Romeo and Juliet are identical to those found in the writings of Bacon. 
B. Though Romeo and Juliet were in opposition to each other, they were both actually very similar in character.
C. The end of the feud between the families of Romeo and Juliet is symbolic of the transformational power of the prima materia.
D. The character of Mercutio should be portrayed as strong and manly in accord with the alchemical symbolism of the play.
E. The theme of Romeo and Juliet reflects alchemical thinking, but the details of the play merely serve the story line and have little meaning.

Explanation of question 3 
A - Gail Gross makes this her central core of the argument that it was Bacon who wrote Romeo and Juliet. Keeping this choice in.
B - Nope, they were indeed poles apart - "a union of opposites".
C - Feud between families did not end. 
D - No Mercutio should be portrayed as somewhere in the middle - both male and female.
E - No Gail Gross does not believe that the alchemical thinking is not merely for a story, but has deep lying meaning.
A is our answer.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. The author points to all of the following as possible instances of alchemical symbolism in Romeo and Juliet EXCEPT:
A. portrayals of Mercutio’s sexuality
B. the statue erected in Romeo and Juliet’s honor
 C. Romeo’s name 
D. the characters’ use of mercury
E. Romeo and Juliet’s feuding families

Explanation of question 4 
This is an EXCEPT question, so we will have 4 choices which have been stated in the passage. The odd one out is our answer.
A - It is stated - "while the character of Mercutio is often portrayed as  androgynous "
B - It is stated - "he formerly feuding families decide to erect a  memorial  to the lovers “in pure gold."
C - Not stated, this is our answer.
D - It is stated - "In alchemy, this process is achieved through the use of the “universal solvent” mercury."
E - It is stated - "union of Romeo and Juliet, two star-crossed lovers  from feuding families "
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. It can be determined from the passage that certain scholars in the nineteenth century believed that
 A. Shakespeare was not the author of the plays credited to him. 
B. Bacon had been falsely accused of plagiarism.
C. Shakespeare had needed the help of other writers when composing his plays.
D. Bacon had provided the thematic and symbolic core of Shakespeare’s works.
E. Shakespeare had had no direct ties to Bacon.

Explanation of question 5 
A - It is clearly stated in the passage that - "In the 1850s, several literary critics began to propose that the plays generally ascribed to Shakespeare had, in fact, been written by Sir Francis Bacon". This is a very strong answer choice, we will keep this in.
B - Well it was actually the other way round!
C - No mention of additional help.
D - No as far as we know they were contemporaries. Also not mentioned.
E - Not stated explicitly.
A is our answer.

bM22 · Answer

1. How would those described as “Shakespeare apologists” be most likely to explain the theories concerning Bacon that were popular in the mid-nineteenth century?

A. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays were misguided, the victims of a delusion brought about by a too intensive focus on Bacon’s alchemical works.
 B. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays did not recognize how much of a genius Shakespeare truly was.
C. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays had come to the realization that Bacon was the only man intelligent enough to have written plays with such deep meaning.
D. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays have undermined the stability of Shakespearean scholarship and caused many rifts between those who study Shakespeare’s plays.
E. Those who believed Bacon wrote all of Shakespeare’s plays have since apologized to the more devoted scholars and devotees of Shakespeare.

Correct Answer - A
 Explanation - A is the correct answer since its mentioned in the last lines of the passage: "Gross spends the last chapters of the book railing against what she calls “Shakespeare apologists,” stating that they have developed such admiration for their own imaginings of who Shakespeare was that they have lost sight of the man himself and are unable to realize that Shakespeare was not sufficiently educated to have included such profound and esoteric ideas in his plays. Apparently, only Sir Francis Bacon could have done so."
Implying that they developed admiration for Shakespeare, which implies that earlier they were not in support of Shakespeare, and misguided by delusion for Bacon.
Option B - incorrect, as, its those who first did not recognize Shakespeare’s works, but later on admired him beyond imaginations, and option B doesnt mentioned the shift of admiration.
Option C - incorrect as its not in favor of Shakespeare.
Option D - not mentioned in the passage.
Option E - incorrect, as it only mentiones that they apologized, but this not prove that they became a devotee of Shakespeare.

2. The author’s main purpose in writing this passage is to

A. examine the merits of both sides of a current debate in literature.
B. review the argument of a new book on the works of Shakespeare.
C. analyze the position of those referred to as “Shakespeare apologists.”
 D. lend support to a controversial view of Shakespearean authorship.
 E. promote further study of Bacon’s alchemical works.

Correct Answer - D
 Explanation - as author even disc Gross's book to examine the controversial debate mentioned in the 1st para of the passage.
Option A - incorrect, as author doesnt mention merit of both sides of the debate, he only discusses one side of it.
Option B - incorrect, as the purpose of the passage is not merely to discuss a book,but to discuss the validity of a debate.
Option C - incorrect, even though discussed in the passage, not the main purpose of writing of the passage.
Option E - author doesnt promote further study of Bacon’s work, only comparison to Shakespeare’s works.

3. It can be inferred that the author of The Magus and the Bard would agree with which of the following statements about Romeo and Juliet?

A. Most of the phrasings in Romeo and Juliet are identical to those found in the writings of Bacon.
 B. Though Romeo and Juliet were in opposition to each other, they were both actually very similar in character.
C. The end of the feud between the families of Romeo and Juliet is symbolic of the transformational power of the prima materia.
D. The character of Mercutio should be portrayed as strong and manly in accord with the alchemical symbolism of the play.
E. The theme of Romeo and Juliet reflects alchemical thinking, but the details of the play merely serve the story line and have little meaning.

Correct Answer - A
 Explanation - as A is mentioned in the passage as: "Bacon was undeniably well versed in them and had written extensively on the subject in numerous essays whose phrasings are remarkably similar to those found in plays such as Romeo and Juliet.".
Option B - incorrect, out of scope, as not mentioned in the passage.
Option C - incorrect, as the end of the feud was not symbolic of the transformational power of the prima materia. It was as mentioned in the last lines of 3rd para : "The end result of the alchemical formula is that most pure of all elements, gold, and in the epilogue of Romeo and Juliet, Gross notes, the formerly feuding families decide to erect a memorial to the lovers “in pure gold.”".
Option D - incorrect, as the author does not show much disagreement to the fact that Mercutio should have been portrayed as strong and manly in accord with the alchemical symbolism of the play.
Option E - incorrect, as not mentioned in the passage.

4. The author points to all of the following as possible instances of alchemical symbolism in Romeo and Juliet EXCEPT:

A. portrayals of Mercutio’s sexuality
B. the statue erected in Romeo and Juliet’s honor
 C. Romeo’s name
 D. the characters’ use of mercury
E. Romeo and Juliet’s feuding families

Correct Answer - C 
Explanation - Quite a straight one, as rest of the options are clearly mentioned in the 3rd para of the passage and only C is not mentioned.

5. It can be determined from the passage that certain scholars in the nineteenth century believed that

A. Shakespeare was not the author of the plays credited to him. 
B. Bacon had been falsely accused of plagiarism.
C. Shakespeare had needed the help of other writers when composing his plays.
D. Bacon had provided the thematic and symbolic core of Shakespeare’s works.
E. Shakespeare had had no direct ties to Bacon.

Correct Answer - A,
 Explanation - Options B,C & E are not mentioned in the passage, so out of scope.
Option D is incorrect because its mentioned the opposite in the 1st para of the passage, that they dismissed such notions and moreover they were not the beliefs of 19th century scholars, but of modern day scholars.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

OAs of this RC are as follow:

1. B
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. A

Very harsh result this time, result by  abcdddddd  and  Gautam12121991  is fine but others. Will share difficulty levels shortly.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

The difficulty levels of the questions are as follow:

1. 700
2. 650
3. 700
4. 700
5. 550

Overall: 650

SiffyB · Answer

Can you please share the OE as well. Thanks!

AnirudhaS · Answer

After going through the answers, I kind of agree to the explanations. In retrospect, I did not have a deep enough understanding of the passage in the first place.  SajjadAhmad  , Do you have any suggestions as to how to tackle RCs where we do not really understand the intention of the author? (I am sure we will also encounter at least one similar tough passages in the real GMAT)

VerbalBot · Answer

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In the 1850s, several literary critics began to propose that the plays

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

In the 1850s, several literary critics began to propose that the plays

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