bschool83 wrote:
It is an historical fact that only in conditions of profound societal instability are great works of literature produced. During the first century B.C., Rome experienced almost constant civil war accompanied by social upheaval. It wasn't until the ascension of Nerva to the throne in 96 A.D. that the situation stabilized. Throughout the second century A.D., Rome experienced a century of uninterrupted peace and stability.
If all of the statements in the passage are true, then which of the following must also be true?
a. During the first century B.C., great works of literature were produced in Rome.
b. Roman art of the first century B.C. was superior to Roman art of the second century A.D.
c. During the second century A.D., no great works of literature were produced in Rome.
d. Historically, great works of literature can stir emotions that find their expression in political action.
e. The first century A.D. was a time of decreased literary production in Rome.
"Only in great instability are great works of literature produced."
If there is a great work of Lit, it must have been produced during extreme instability.
Reverse may not be true;
If there is great instability, then great works must be created.
If Rome experienced profound instability during all odd centuries, 1st century, 3rd century, 5th, 7th, 9th...
And it was prosperous and stable during even centuries: 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th...
There are two 2 great epics/works. These two epics must have been produced during odd centuries. Maybe 5th and 7th. But, there is no guarantee that whenever there was instability, great artwork was created, OR we'd have had at least 10 works till date.
Also when it is said that the great artwork is created ONLY during bad periods, it is equivalent to saying great artwork is NEVER created during good periods. And we know 2nd century was a period of stability for Rome.
Ans: "C"