When discussing Civil War-era narratives, critics almost invariably re

Question

When discussing Civil War-era narratives, critics almost invariably refer to slave narratives published before 1865. However, many ex-slaves wrote about their return to the South after the war, and about reunions with their former masters. These significant postbellum narratives have been largely ignored.

What is perhaps most striking about many of these narratives is the incidence of emotionally charged reunions between the protagonists and their former “owners.” In many instances, long-standing class differences were surprisingly bridged, and reconciliation occurred between black and white. One of the most important of such accounts was written by Frederick Douglass himself.

The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass contains what is probably the most famous scene of reconciliation in postbellum narrative. In the summer of 1877, Douglass returned to Talbot County hoping to see his former master, Thomas Auld. Auld, by then more than eighty years old, was much weaker than the young man that Douglass—now an international celebrity—had hated and feared. Believing it unseemly to speak words of bitterness and reproach to a man so close to death, Douglass made an effort to make peace with Auld. “After all,” said Douglass, “I regarded both of us as victims of the system.”

This idea of mutual victimization was certainly not something Douglass had argued in his previous autobiographical accounts of slavery. Nevertheless, like many slave narrators in the postbellum era, he was not averse to showing slavery’s harmful effects on whites as well as blacks. In the end, Douglass’s reunion with Auld is described as joyful.

Accounts such as the one written by Douglass were often criticized or condemned by other opponents of slavery. To some, including many modern observers, the narrative appeared to undermine the long-standing abolitionist scorn for the patriarchal justification of slavery. Moreover, one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the sentimental image of the relationship between slave and master was discredited. But Douglass rejected such attacks on personal, cultural, and political grounds. He believed that his narrative was not one of weakness but strength, the strength to hold on to the past despite its painful associations.   1 
 1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. compare examples of a genre
B. critique alternative literary approaches to an issue
C. refute criticism of an established work
D. promote a previously neglected group of works
E. present evidence for a literary theory

2 
 2. With which of the following statements regarding postbellum narratives would the author be most likely to agree?

A. While postbellum narratives often describe emotional reunions between blacks and whites, these accounts do not necessarily indicate forgiveness on the part of the former slaves.
B. Critics of postbellum narratives are well justified in condemning these accounts for downplaying the horrors of slavery.
C. The idea of mutual victimization by slavery is the only explanation for the willingness of former slaves to meet with their former masters.
D. Critics who refer only to antebellum slave narratives are unaware of the many extant postbellum narratives.
E. Scenes of reconciliation between ex-slaves and their former masters are marked by a reluctance on both parts to confront longstanding class differences.

3 
 3. According to the passage, which of the following is true of the publication of antebellum slave narratives?

A. The writers of the narratives found the strength to confront their pasts.
B. They represented a continuation of the tendency of slaves to write autobiographical works.
C. They caused some readers to attack the abolitionist movement.
D. The narratives were, for the most part, ignored.
E. The narratives demonstrated that the romanticized picture of the relationship between masters and slaves master was not accurate.

4 
 4. It can be inferred from the passage that antebellum slave narratives

A. were criticized by many proponents of abolition
B. provide greater insight into the plight of masters than do postbellum slave narratives
C. offer few references to positive relationships between slave and slaveowner
D. earned their authors significant monetary rewards due to their popularity
E. were popular with readers and thus obtained an important place in American literary tradition

5 
 5. According to the author, Douglass's reunion with Auld was not confrontational largely because Douglass

A. had previously argued that slavery was hard on slave owners as well
B. felt Auld was too advanced in years to change his attitudes and thus any hostility at that point would have been pointless
C. had developed a certain amount of sympathy for Auld's plight
D. typically refrained from voicing any negative opinions about his view of slavery
E. did not want to risk his reputation by instigating a confrontation with so aged a man

RC Butler Competition 2021  -  Participate and Win!   
Passage # 20 Date: 14-Jan-2021
 This question is a part of RC Butler Competition 2021 .  Click here for Details

Sajjad1994 · Accepted Answer

Official Explanation

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

Explanation

This is a primary purpose question, as indicated by the phrase primary purpose. The task of the question is to determine why the author wrote the passage. The subject of the question is the passage as a whole. In order to answer the question, determine why the author wrote the passage, then evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice that does not match the author’s primary purpose. According to the passage, critics almost invariably refer to slave narratives published before 1865. However, many ex-slaves wrote about their return to the South after the war and about reunions with their former masters. These significant postbellum narratives have been largely ignored. The passage describes a narrative by Frederick Douglass, comparing him briefly to many slave narrators. The passage concludes he believed that his narrative was not one of weakness but strength despite the fact that accounts such as his were often criticized or condemned by other opponents of slavery. Thus, the author wrote the passage in order to highlight some significant postbellum narratives.

Choice A: No.  This answer may seem appealing because the passage states many ex-slaves wrote about their return, and compares Douglass to many slave narrators in the postbellum era. However, this is a memory trap. The passage only examines one example of a genre, The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass.

Choice B: No.  This answer may seem tempting because the passage states critics almost invariably refer to slave narratives published before 1865, and accounts such as the one written by Douglass were often criticized or condemned by other opponents of slavery. But this answer is a reversal, because the critique is not the author’s. The author claims significant postbellum narratives have been largely ignored.

Choice C: No.  This answer may seem appealing because the passage states accounts such as the one written by Douglass were often criticized or condemned by other opponents of slavery…But Douglass rejected such attacks on personal, cultural, and political grounds. However, this is a memory trap and the word refute is extreme language. The author uses Frederick Douglass’s narrative as an example of significant postbellum narratives that have been largely ignored, not to refute criticism.

Choice D:  Correct.   The passage states many ex-slaves wrote about their return to the South after the war…These significant postbellum narratives have been largely ignored. The author discusses what is striking about many of these narratives, and examines The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass.

Choice E: No.  This answer may seem tempting because the passage states these significant postbellum narratives have been largely ignored and mentions a trait of many of these narratives. But evidence for a literary theory is extreme language. The author cites Douglass’s narrative as evidence of a neglected group of works about ex-slaves’ return to the South after the war.

The correct answer is choice D.

2. With which of the following statements regarding postbellum narratives would the author be most likely to agree?

Explanation

The phrase be most likely to agree in the question stem indicates that this is an inference question. The task of the question is indicated by the phrase would the author be most likely to agree. The subject of the question is postbellum narratives. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice that cannot be supported by the text. The passage mentions emotionally charged reunions between the protagonists and their former “owners.” In many instances, long-standing class differences were surprisingly bridged, and reconciliation occurred between black and white. However, the passage goes on to state accounts such as the one written by Douglass were often criticized or condemned by other opponents of slavery. To some, including many modern observers, the narrative appeared to undermine the long-standing abolitionist scorn for the patriarchal justification of slavery. Therefore, forgiveness may not have always been a factor in the return.

Choice A:  Correct.   The passage states Accounts such as the one written by Douglass were often criticized or condemned by other opponents of slavery. To some, including many modern observers, the narrative appeared to undermine the long-standing abolitionist scorn for the patriarchal justification of slavery. The author mentions cases of reconciliation, but only one example of forgiveness.

Choice B: No.  This answer may seem tempting because the passage states To some, including many modern observers, the narrative appeared to undermine the long-standing abolitionist scorn for the patriarchal justification of slavery. However, the phrase well justified is extreme language. The author describes how Douglass rejected such attacks and the author focuses on reconciliation in significant postbellum narratives.

Choice C: No.  This answer may seem appealing because of the recycled language idea of mutual victimization. However, the phrase only explanation is extreme language. The passage states this idea was certainly not something Douglass had argued in his previous autobiographical accounts of slavery. Furthermore, one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the sentimental image of the relationship between slave and master was discredited, which indicates there may have been other motivations for meeting.

Choice D: No.  This answer may seem tempting because the passage states when discussing Civil War-era narratives, critics almost invariably refer to slave narratives published before 1865. However, the word unaware is extreme language. The author claims these significant postbellum narratives have been largely ignored, not unknown.

Choice E: No.  This answer may seem appealing because the passage states Accounts…were often criticized or condemned by other opponents of slavery. To some…the narrative appeared to undermine the long-standing abolitionist scorn for the patriarchal justification of slavery. However, a reluctance is a reversal. The passage, in describing the most famous scene of reconciliation, states Douglass returned to Talbot County hoping to see his former master and made an effort to make peace with Auld.

The correct answer is choice A.

3. According to the passage, which of the following is true of the publication of antebellum slave narratives?

Explanation

The phrase according to the passage indicates that this is a retrieval question. The task of the question is indicated by the phrase according to the passage, which of the following is true. The subject of the question is the publication of antebellum slave narratives. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice that cannot be supported by the text. According to the passage, one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the sentimental image of the relationship between slave and master was discredited.

Choice A: No.  The recycled language strength may make this choice appealing. However, this answer is a reversal. While Douglass believed that his narrative was not one of weakness but strength, the strength to hold on to the past despite its painful associations, his accounts were often criticized or condemned by other opponents of slavery, some of who possessed long-standing abolitionist scorn for the patriarchal justification of slavery. Furthermore, Douglass’s account was postbellum, not antebellum.

Choice B: No.  This answer may seem tempting because the passage states critics almost invariably refer to slave narratives published before 1865 and many ex-slaves wrote about their return to the South after the war. However, the tendency of slaves is extreme language. The passage mentions many slave narrators in the postbellum era but does not claim there was a tendency…to write autobiographical works.

Choice C: No.  This answer may seem appealing because the passage mentions the narrative appeared to undermine the long-standing abolitionist scorn for the patriarchal justification of slavery, and Douglass rejected such attacks. However, it is extreme language to state they caused some readers to attack the abolitionist movement. The only attacks mentioned are against Douglass who was criticized or condemned by other opponents of slavery for writing about reconciliation in postbellum accounts.

Choice D: No.  This answer may seem tempting because the passage states narratives have been largely ignored. However, this answer is a reversal. The author described how significant postbellum narratives have been largely ignored. The author also states one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the sentimental image of the relationship between slave and master was discredited, which indicates that antebellum narratives were not ignored.

Choice E:  Correct.   The passage states one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the sentimental image of the relationship between slave and master was discredited, which indicates the romanticized picture of the relationship between masters and slaves master was not accurate.

The correct answer is choice E.

4. It can be inferred from the passage that antebellum slave narratives

Explanation

The phrase it can be inferred in the question stem indicates that this is an inference question. The task of the question is indicated by the word inferred. The subject of the question is antebellum slave narratives. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice that cannot be supported by the text. The passage states one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the sentimental image of the relationship between slave and master was discredited. In contrast, postbellum narratives of reconciliation were criticized or condemned by other opponents of slavery because they appeared to undermine the long-standing abolitionist scorn for the patriarchal justification of slavery. This indicates that it was unlikely that antebellum slave narratives referenced positive relationships.

Choice A: No.  The recycled language criticized may make this choice appealing. However, this answer is a reversal. The passage refers to opponents of slavery who criticized or condemned postbellum accounts, not antebellum slave narratives.

Choice B: No.  This answer may seem tempting because Douglass regarded both of us as victims of the system. However, this answer is a reversal. This sentiment is not evident in antebellum narratives. The passage states like many slave narrators in the postbellum era, he was not averse to showing slavery’s harmful effects on whites as well as blacks.

Choice C:  Correct.   The author mentions that postbellum narratives of reconciliation were criticized or condemned by other opponents of slavery because they appeared to undermine the long-standing abolitionist scorn for the patriarchal justification of slavery. The passage states one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the sentimental image of the relationship between slave and master was discredited.

Choice D: No.  This answer may seem appealing because the passage states when discussing Civil War-era narratives, critics almost invariably refer to slave narratives published before 1865. However, significant monetary rewards is extreme language. There is no such comparison between the slave narratives’ monetary rewards.

Choice E: No.  This answer may seem tempting because the passage states when discussing Civil War-era narratives, critics almost invariably refer to slave narratives published before 1865. However, popular with readers is extreme language. The passage states one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the sentimental image of the relationship between slave and master was discredited, but refrains from discussing their popularity.

The correct answer is choice C.

Deepakjhamb · Answer

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

answer is e) present evidence for a literary theory 
A. compare examples of a genre:  author has not given any example of ante-bellum narratives , so it can't be comparing examples of a genre ,and thus is only presenting the theory of the incidence of emotionally charged reunions between the slaves and their former “owners" on the basis of example from Douglas's post -bellum narrative , so its out 
B. critique alternative literary approaches to an issue :  author is nowhere critiquing alternative literary approaches , he is just presenting the views of other critiques in the third para about one post bellum narrative , so its out   
C. refute criticism of an established work :  author is nowhere refuting the criticism met by Douglas's work , he just mentioned how Douglas rejected the criticism on his own work in last para; moreover this passage on the whole is about presenting the theory of incidence of emotionally charged reunions between the slaves and their former “owners" on the basis of example from Douglas's post -bellum narrative  
D. promote a previously neglected group of works:  promoting is a very strong word , author is not promoting anything , he is just presenting the theory of the incidence of emotionally charged reunions between the slaves and their former “owners" on the basis of example from Douglas's post -bellum narrative , so its out

E. present evidence for a literary theory:  yes this is correct , author is presenting the theory of the incidence of emotionally charged reunions between the slaves and their former “owners" on the basis of example from Douglas's post -bellum narrative as an evidence

2. With which of the following statements regarding postbellum narratives would the author be most likely to agree?

answer is a)While postbellum narratives often describe emotional reunions between blacks and whites, these accounts do not necessarily indicate forgiveness on the part of the former slaves. 
A. While postbellum narratives often describe emotional reunions between blacks and whites, these accounts do not necessarily indicate forgiveness on the part of the former slaves:  yes this seems to be true as other options can be eliminated and in the passage we see that in Douglas's narrative he says that he believed it unseemly to speak words of bitterness and reproach to a man so close to death and thus Douglass made an effort to make peace. And in last para Douglas's narrative also says that he believed that his narrative was not one of weakness but strength, the strength to hold on to the past despite its painful associations. So with this language we cannot imply that these accounts meant forgiveness on the part of former slaves 
B. Critics of postbellum narratives are well justified in condemning these accounts for downplaying the horrors of slavery: author nowhere says that critics of potbellum narratives are well justified in condemning these accounts of downplaying horrors of slavery, he just presents critics view , nothing more than that  
C. The idea of mutual victimization by slavery is the only explanation for the willingness of former slaves to meet with their former masters:
 here only is a very strong word , idea of mutual victimization may be one of the explainations for the willingness of former slaves to meet with their former masters , but cannot be only as its not stated in the passage with such strong language  
D. Critics who refer only to antebellum slave narratives are unaware of the many extant postbellum narratives:  in first para author says that such critics ignored and invariably picked ante-bellum narratives , this does not mean that they were not aware of post bellum narratives  
E. Scenes of reconciliation between ex-slaves and their former masters are marked by a reluctance on both parts to confront longstanding class differences:  actually this seems reversal of facts , the passage says that In many instances, long-standing class differences were surprisingly bridged in post bellum narratives , so its out

3. According to the passage, which of the following is true of the publication of antebellum slave narratives?

answer is e) The narratives demonstrated that the romanticized picture of the relationship between masters and slaves master was not accurate. 
A. The writers of the narratives found the strength to confront their pasts:  actually author is saying this about post-bellum narratives 
B. They represented a continuation of the tendency of slaves to write autobiographical works:  actually this is out of scope of passage and passage never says that publication of antebellum slave narratives continued the tendency of slaves to write autobiograhical works , so its out  
C. They caused some readers to attack the abolitionist movement: actually passage never says that readers of antebellum narratives cuased readers to attack abolitionist movement , infact it looks reversal of facts as passage says that -one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the sentimental image of the relationship between slave and master was discredited 
D. The narratives were, for the most part, ignored: actually this is also reversal of facts ,passage only says that significant postbellum narratives have been largely ignored and in fact antebellum narratives were invariably picked  
E. The narratives demonstrated that the romanticized picture of the relationship between masters and slaves master was not accurate:  yes this is subltle language and is true as other options can be eliminated and this can be inferred from this last para line -one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the sentimental image of the relationship between slave and master was discredited.

4. It can be inferred from the passage that antebellum slave narratives
 answer is c)offer few references to positive relationships between slave and slaveowner 
A. were criticized by many proponents of abolition :  actually this seems reversal of facts , infact post bellum narratives were criticized by many proponents of abolition 
B. provide greater insight into the plight of masters than do postbellum slave narratives: actually no such comparison on plights of masters between ante bellum and post bellum is mentioned , in fact even if we might infer something that could be opposite to this statement as only post bellum narratives mentioned about idea of mutual victimization of slaves and master both , so its out  
C. offer few references to positive relationships between slave and slaveowner:  yes that's correct , we can infer this as all other options can be eliminated and its given in passage that one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the sentimental image of the relationship between slave and master was discredited. Also few means not enough - so this could be inferred that there not enough such mention that's why the relationship between slave and master was discredited 
D. earned their authors significant monetary rewards due to their popularity:  nothing about monetary rewards is mentioned about antebellum narratives , so its out of scope of passage  
E. were popular with readers and thus obtained an important place in American literary tradition:  nowhere popularity about ante-bellum narratives among readers is mentioned and due to it its place being important in American literary tradition is never mentioned :from passage we only know that critics when discussing Civil War-era narratives, almost invariably refer to antebellum narratives and the post bellum narratives were ignored , from this we cannot infer that ante-bellum narratives were popular among all readers (not critics) and that's why they obtained important place in American literary tradition where very everything else is also considered in literature .

Vie3nrose · Answer

Question 1. The primary purpose of the passage is to
 
A. compare examples of a genre
 INCORRECT   -- Although PG1 states that postbellum is relatively ignored vs antebellum, the next four paragraphs all discuss postbellum slave/master reunion accounts, to introduce the audience to a largely unfamiliar genre (not enough discussion on antebellum to warrant a "comparison". 
 
B. critique alternative literary approaches to an issue
 INCORRECT   -- Although the author mentions critiques on Douglass's postbellum accounts in the last paragraph, the focus of all the paragraphs before are on enlightening the reader on an under-recognized body of literary accounts. 
 
C. refute criticism of an established work
 INCORRECT   -- Although PG5 acknowledges critique of D's work and provides D's refute, the focus of all the paragraphs leading up to it is to shed light on an under-recognized (aka. not established) body of work.
 
D. promote a previously neglected group of works
 CORRECT   -- PG1 introduces the under-recognized postbellum slave/master reunion accounts ("These significant postbellum narratives have been  largely ignored "), and the next few paragraphs give us more information through the example of Douglass's painful/ yet heartwarming account. Although PG5 does acknowledge criticism of this work, the author concludes the passage by emphasizing that this work  demonstrates strength  (not weakness)
 
E. present evidence for a literary theory
 INCORRECT   -- The author is using Douglass's account as an example of the largely ignored postbellum work that he believes deserves recognition, but I'm not sure what theory he would be defending with this evidence.

Question 2. With which of the following statements regarding postbellum narratives would the author be most likely to agree?
 
A. While postbellum narratives often describe emotional reunions between blacks and whites, these accounts do not necessarily indicate forgiveness on the part of the former slaves.
 CORRECT   -- In PG5 the author acknowledges the criticism on postbellum narratives ("To some... the narrative appeared to  undermine the long-standing abolitionist scorn  for the patriarchal justification of slavery"), but concludes with D's "rejection" of the critiques ("But Douglass  rejected such attacks ... He believed that his narrative was  not one of weakness but strength, the strength to hold on to the past despite its painful associations "). Doesn't sound like D intends to forgive the past and its painful associations, but chose to make peace.
 
B. Critics of postbellum narratives are well justified in condemning these accounts for downplaying the horrors of slavery.
 INCORRECT   -- In PG5 the author acknowledges the criticism on postbellum narratives ("To some... the narrative appeared to undermine the long-standing abolitionist scorn for the patriarchal justification of slavery"), but concludes with D's refute. The author gives voice to both sides of the debate, so I wouldn't assume that he agrees with the critics
 
C. The idea of mutual victimization by slavery is the only explanation for the willingness of former slaves to meet with their former masters.
 INCORRECT   -- "Only explanation" seems extreme. Although D does believe in mutual vicitimization (PG3 "“After all,” said Douglass, “I regarded both of us as victims of the system.”), it was unclear if this was the reason that prompted him to see his master again (maybe Douglass wanted to ask for an apology at first but then decided to make peace upon seeing his master's frail state?) 
 
D. Critics who refer only to antebellum slave narratives are unaware of the many extant postbellum narratives.
 INCORRECT   -- Based on PG1 ("When discussing Civil War-era narratives, critics almost invariably refer to slave narratives published before 1865. However... significant postbellum narratives have been largely ignored."), the author indicates that postbellum narratives have been ignored, not necessarily that critics are unaware of them. 
 
E. Scenes of reconciliation between ex-slaves and their former masters are marked by a reluctance on both parts to confront longstanding class differences.
 INCORRECT   -- On the contrary, seems like there was a surprising lack of reluctance: "In many instances,  long-standing class differences were surprisingly bridged, and reconciliation occurred  between black and white."

Question 3. According to the passage, which of the following is true of the publication of antebellum slave narratives?
 
A. The writers of the narratives found the strength to confront their pasts.
 INCORRECT   -- This seems like the message from D regarding his postbellum work, but not sure if this applies antebellum work. (PG5 "He believed that his narrative was not one of weakness but strength, the strength to hold on to the past despite its painful associations.")
 
B. They represented a continuation of the tendency of slaves to write autobiographical works.
 INCORRECT   -- Out of Scope: Not sure how long before the war slaves tended to write autobios (passage only refers to the time periods before and after the Civil war)
 
C. They caused some readers to attack the abolitionist movement.
 INCORRECT   -- Mix-Up:  postbellum  work caused some readers to attack the narrators. 
 
D. The narratives were, for the most part, ignored.
 INCORRECT   -- Opposite: PG1 "These significant  post bellum narratives have been largely ignored."
 
E. The narratives demonstrated that the romanticized picture of the relationship between masters and slaves master was not accurate.
 CORRECT   -- The passage indicates that the slave/master relationship in antebellum work was de-romanticized: "one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the  sentimental image  of the relationship between slave and master was  discredited ."

Question 4. It can be inferred from the passage that antebellum slave narratives
 
A. were criticized by many proponents of abolition
 INCORRECT   -- Opposite:  postbellum  work was criticized by abolitionists ("undermine the long-standing abolitionist scorn for the patriarchal justification of slavery")
 
B. provide greater insight into the plight of masters than do postbellum slave narratives
 INCORRECT   -- Opposite: Since antebellum narratives were before the war, masters should have still been at their heights (if anything,  post bellum narratives should give better insight on their plight) 
 
C. offer few references to positive relationships between slave and slaveowner
 CORRECT   -- PG5 "one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the  sentimental image  of the relationship between slave and master was  discredited ." This is further reason why abolitionists criticize D's postbellum work, which talks about a peaceful/joyful reunion with his former master (the opposite of the kind of relationship portrayed in antebellum work).
 
D. earned their authors significant monetary rewards due to their popularity
 INCORRECT   -- Out of scope: although the author mentioned that Douglass was an international celebrity (presumably based on his antebellum autobio accounts since that was before his reunion), there was no mention of the financial benefits that might have come with his fame
 
E. were popular with readers and thus obtained an important place in American literary tradition
 INCORRECT   -- Extreme: Although the author tells us that "When discussing Civil War-era narratives, critics almost invariably refer to slave narratives published before 1865", this doesn't necessarily this genre was popular with readers and is an American literary tradition (maybe critics that discuss CW-era narratives make up an insignificant % of the population, and nobody outside of this demographic reads antebellum slave bios?)

Sumi1010 · Answer

Short note on the passage:

P1 - Ignored postbellum narratives beyond slave narratives.
P2 - narratives of reconciliation & reunions.
P3- Douglass story 
P4 - Douglass idea of mutual victimisation.
P5 - Critics on Douglass narrative; His response.

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. compare examples of a genre
 The passage does not compares the examples of postbellum narratives. 
B. critique alternative literary approaches to an issue
 Correct. 
The passage goes beyond the postbellum general slavery narratives and talks on the narratives of reunions and reconciliations of master and slaves. 
C. refute criticism of an established work
 The passage by itself does not support or refute the criticism of Douglass's narrative. It stands neutral on providing details. 
D. promote a previously neglected group of works
 The passage by itself does not promote any work. 
E. present evidence for a literary theory
 The passage does provide evidences to support or criticize any narrative or related theory.

B

2. With which of the following statements regarding postbellum narratives would the  author be most likely to agree ?

A. While postbellum narratives  often describe emotional reunions  between blacks and whites, these accounts do not necessarily indicate forgiveness on the part of the former slaves.
 This is something author won't agree. Such reunion narratives were not "often". 
 "However, many ex-slaves wrote about their return to the South after the war, and about reunions with their former masters.  These significant postbellum narratives have been largely ignored . " 
B. Critics of postbellum narratives are well justified in condemning these accounts for downplaying the horrors of slavery.
 The author does not support the critics of postbellum narratives in condemning the reunion accounts.  
C. The idea of mutual victimization by slavery is the  only explanation  for the willingness of former slaves to meet with their former masters.
 This idea of mutual victimization was Douglass's explanation. This may not be the only one for all the former slaves. 
D. Critics who refer only to antebellum slave narratives are unaware of the many extant postbellum narratives.
 We can't be sure if there were many extant postbellum narratives that the critics were unaware of. 
E. Scenes of reconciliation between ex-slaves and their former masters are marked by a  reluctance on both parts to confront longstanding class differences. 
 Correct. "In many instances, long-standing class differences were surprisingly bridged, and reconciliation occurred between black and white."

E

3. According to the passage, which of the following is true of the publication of antebellum slave narratives?

A. The writers of the narratives found the strength to confront their pasts.
 This is very specific to Douglass's response to the critics.  
B. They represented a continuation of the tendency of slaves to write autobiographical works.
 The publications did not necessarily represent a continuation of the tendency of writing autobiographies. Nor can we infer that there was a prevailing tendency of writing autobiographies among the slaves.  
C. They caused some  readers to attack  the abolitionist movement.
 This information is not supported in the passage. 
D. The narratives were, for the most part, ignored.
 Correct .
"However, many ex-slaves wrote about their return to the South after the war, and about reunions with their former masters. These  significant postbellum narratives have been largely ignored."  
E. The narratives demonstrated that the romanticized picture of the relationship between masters and slaves master was  not accurate. 
 There is no conclusion on the accuracy of the narratives' relationship.

D

4. It can be inferred from the passage that antebellum slave narratives

A. were criticized by many proponents of abolition
 They were criticized by other opponents of slavery, but only  appeared  to undermine the abolitionist scorn. 
B. provide greater insight into the plight of masters than do postbellum slave narratives
 There is no inference to this difference in insights. 
C. offer few references to positive relationships between slave and slaveowner
 Correct. They talk on idea of reconciliation and bridging the gaps. 
D. earned their authors significant monetary rewards due to their popularity
 This information is not supported in the passage. 
E. were popular with readers and thus obtained an  important place in American literary tradition 
 No such information to be inferred from the passage.

C

Tahamohsin · Answer

Sajjad1994 This RC is way harder than the harder questions of the OG RC. Can you tell the score of this question? I don't think some RC of this competition are aligned with Offical guide RC.

And I don't think I would get any correct this time.

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. compare examples of a genre
B. critique alternative literary approaches to an issue
Based o antebellum and postbellum things - I chose this
C. refute criticism of an established work
D. promote a previously neglected group of works
E. present evidence for a literary theory

2. With which of the following statements regarding postbellum narratives would the author be most likely to agree?

A. While postbellum narratives often describe emotional reunions between blacks and whites, these accounts do not necessarily indicate forgiveness on the part of the former slaves.
B. Critics of postbellum narratives are well justified in condemning these accounts for downplaying the horrors of slavery.
C. The idea of mutual victimization by slavery is the only explanation for the willingness of former slaves to meet with their former masters.
D. Critics who refer only to antebellum slave narratives are unaware of the many extant postbellum narratives
First para says this.
E. Scenes of reconciliation between ex-slaves and their former masters are marked by a reluctance on both parts to confront longstanding class differences.

3. According to the passage, which of the following is true of the publication of antebellum slave narratives?

A. The writers of the narratives found the strength to confront their pasts.
B. They represented a continuation of the tendency of slaves to write autobiographical works.
C. They caused some readers to attack the abolitionist movement.
In the last para, it talks about abolitionist movement.
D. The narratives were, for the most part, ignored.
E. The narratives demonstrated that the romanticized picture of the relationship between masters and slaves master was not accurate.

4. It can be inferred from the passage that antebellum slave narratives

A. were criticized by many proponents of abolition
B. provide greater insight into the plight of masters than do postbellum slave narratives
C. offer few references to positive relationships between slave and slaveowner
The lines in the passage say - relationship between slave and master was discredited., So this is a better answer
D. earned their authors significant monetary rewards due to their popularity
E. were popular with readers and thus obtained an important place in American literary tradition

So, IMO, B,D,C,C are the answers
Ugh! I had a tiresome day and couldn't write proper explanations. Sorry

The downplay of the horror of slavery was never mentioned in the passage. So we cannot conclude for sure that the author might agree with this choice. C. The idea of mutual victimization by slavery is the only explanation for the willingness of former slaves to meet with their former masters. No,Douglass actually never argue for the idea of victimization . D. Critics who refer only to antebellum slave narratives are unaware of the many extant postbellum narratives. In the passage, that author never describes Critics who refer only to antebellum slave narratives, so we cannot say that the author might agree that critics are unaware of the many extant postbellum narratives. E. Scenes of reconciliation between ex-slaves and their former masters are marked by a reluctance on both parts to confront longstanding class differences. Reconciliation was never reluctance on both part. "Douglass returned to Talbot County hoping to see his former master" This FD was not reluctant. 3. According to the passage, which of the following is true of the publication of antebellum slave narratives? E In the last para the author wrote--Moreover, one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the sentimental image of the relationship between slave and master was discredited- about the antebellum. A. The writers of the narratives found the strength to confront their pasts. No they don't find any strength in confronting their past. The postbellum narrative finds strength. B. They represented a continuation of the tendency of slaves to write autobiographical works. The passage never stated that they represent a continuation of the tendency of slaves to write autobiographical works C. They caused some readers to attack the abolitionist movement. No such info that the reader attack the abolition movement was presented in the passage. D. The narratives were, for the most part, ignored. The narrative of the postbellum was ignored, not the antebellum. E. The narratives demonstrated that the romanticized picture of the relationship between masters and slaves master was not accurate. Yes, this totally matches what the passage stated about the narratives of antebellum 4. It can be inferred from the passage that antebellum slave narratives E A. were criticized by many proponents of abolition They were never criticized by many proponents of abolition B. provide greater insight into the plight of masters than do postbellum slave narratives this could be true but, we cannot conclude for sure that this is true. C. offer few references to positive relationships between slave and slaveowner The author never stated that antebellum refer few positive relationships between slave and slaveowner D. earned their authors significant monetary rewards due to their popularity Monetary reward and the popularity of antebellum was never stated in the passage E. were popular with readers and thus obtained an important place in American literary tradition The author stated that postbellum narratives were ignored and when discussing Civil War-era narratives, critics almost invariably refer to slave narratives published before 1865. That means antebellum narratives must be popular with readers.

RashmikaAnegama · Answer

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. compare examples of a genre
B. critique alternative literary approaches to an issue
Based o antebellum and postbellum things - I chose this
C. refute criticism of an established work
D. promote a previously neglected group of works
E. present evidence for a literary theory

2. With which of the following statements regarding postbellum narratives would the author be most likely to agree?

A. While postbellum narratives often describe emotional reunions between blacks and whites, these accounts do not necessarily indicate forgiveness on the part of the former slaves.
B. Critics of postbellum narratives are well justified in condemning these accounts for downplaying the horrors of slavery.
C. The idea of mutual victimization by slavery is the only explanation for the willingness of former slaves to meet with their former masters.
D. Critics who refer only to antebellum slave narratives are unaware of the many extant postbellum narratives
First para says this.
E. Scenes of reconciliation between ex-slaves and their former masters are marked by a reluctance on both parts to confront longstanding class differences.

3. According to the passage, which of the following is true of the publication of antebellum slave narratives?

A. The writers of the narratives found the strength to confront their pasts.
B. They represented a continuation of the tendency of slaves to write autobiographical works.
C. They caused some readers to attack the abolitionist movement.
In the last para, it talks about abolitionist movement.
D. The narratives were, for the most part, ignored.
E. The narratives demonstrated that the romanticized picture of the relationship between masters and slaves master was not accurate.

4. It can be inferred from the passage that antebellum slave narratives

A. were criticized by many proponents of abolition
B. provide greater insight into the plight of masters than do postbellum slave narratives
C. offer few references to positive relationships between slave and slaveowner
The lines in the passage say - relationship between slave and master was discredited., So this is a better answer
D. earned their authors significant monetary rewards due to their popularity
E. were popular with readers and thus obtained an important place in American literary tradition

So, IMO, B,D,C,C are the answers
Ugh! I had a tiresome day and couldn't write proper explanations. Sorry

Tahamohsin · Answer

Sajjad1994

Sorry I made a typing mistake 
I was asking about the source of this question?

Neha2404 · Answer

1-D
2-A
3-E
4-C

IMO-D

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. compare examples of a genre
INCORRECT- Author not comparing examples of a genre

B. critique alternative literary approaches to an issue
INCORRECT- No literary alternative literary approaches to an issue Is discussed by Author

C. refute criticism of an established work
INCORRECT- In passage Author discussed about postbellum narratives have been largely ignored. But Author not refuting an established work

D. promote a previously neglected group of works
CORRECT- Author promoting postbellum narrative work which have been ignored

E. present evidence for a literary theory
INCORRECT- Author doesn’t present evidence for a literary theory

IMO-A

2. With which of the following statements regarding postbellum narratives would the author be most likely to agree?

A. While postbellum narratives often describe emotional reunions between blacks and whites, these accounts do not necessarily indicate forgiveness on the part of the former slaves.
CORRECT-Author mentioned that Postbellum narratives often describe emotional reunions between blacks and whites, these accounts do not necessarily indicate forgiveness on the part of the former slaves. even Doulglass forgivess his master and he say they both victimised

B. Critics of postbellum narratives are well justified in condemning these accounts for downplaying the horrors of slavery.
INCORRECT- well justified make this answer chose incorrect

C. The idea of mutual victimization by slavery is the only explanation for the willingness of former slaves to meet with their former masters.
INCORRECT- use of only make this answer choice extreme

D. Critics who refer only to antebellum slave narratives are unaware of the many extant postbellum narratives.
INCORRECT - use of only make this answer choice extreme

E. Scenes of reconciliation between ex-slaves and their former masters are marked by a reluctance on both parts to confront longstanding class differences.
INCORRECT- it is not indicated in the passage , last para of discuss about ex-salaves and their masterbut not indicated Scenes of reconciliation between ex-slaves and their former masters are marked by a reluctance on both parts to confront longstanding class differences.

IMO-E

3. According to the passage, which of the following is true of the publication of antebellum slave narratives?

A. The writers of the narratives found the strength to confront their pasts.
INCORRECT it is opposite answer The writers of the narratives found the Weakness to confront their pasts. And it is reputed by Douglass in last para

B. They represented a continuation of the tendency of slaves to write autobiographical works.
INCORRECT- the publication of antebellum slave narratives doesn’t represent continuation of the tendency of slaves to write autobiographical works

C. They caused some readers to attack the abolitionist movement.
INCORRECT- It is not indicates from the passage

D. The narratives were, for the most part, ignored.
INCORRECT- It is opposite answer choice,antebellum narrative work is referred in Civil War-era narratives,

E. The narratives demonstrated that the romanticized picture of the relationship between masters and slaves master was not accurate.
Correct- it is correct according to supporting lines mentioned in last para 
SUPPORTING LINES-one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the sentimental image of the relationship between slave and master was discredited.

IMO-C

4. It can be inferred from the passage that antebellum slave narratives

A. were criticized by many proponents of abolition
INCORRECT- antebellum slave narratives were more referred When discussing Civil War-era narratives

B. provide greater insight into the plight of masters than do postbellum slave narratives
INCORRECT- use of of greater make this answer choice extreme

C. offer few references to positive relationships between slave and slaveowner
CORRECT In last para author mentioned that one of the chief results of antebellum slave narratives was that the sentimental image of the relationship between slave and master was discredited

D. earned their authors significant monetary rewards due to their popularity
INCORRECT- Author doesn’t not mentioned monetary rewards to antebellum author and use of word significant make this answer choice extreme

E. were popular with readers and thus obtained an important place in American literary tradition
INCORRECT- antebellum work is use When discussing Civil War-era narratives. But Author doesn’t mentioned that it obtained an important place in American literary tradition

Posted from my mobile device

Sajjad1994 · Answer

This passage is really tricky, OAs have been revealed, D A E C.

Good work  Deepakjhamb

Excellent once again  Vie3nrose  and  Neha2404  (10/10)

Tahamohsin  Can you please point out which RCs of this competition are not aligned with OG? And don’t worry you got 75% correct here and it’s a good result. This question is from  Princeton Review.

Guys, last couple of questions for the competition has been posted, Tomorrow the winners will be announced, I have also a few more things to share with you all so be tuned tomorrow. It’s a tough competition between the top 3 so try your best on the last questions. Official explanation will be posted soon, Do read it.

PS: I will update the source of all questions shortly, you can go to the master thread a can check the source of all questions. Just for your knowledge I am providing a little summary here.

Manhattan GMAT = 7 Questions
Veritas Prep = 2 Questions
Kaplan GMAT = 8 Questions
Princeton Review = 5 Questions

Total = 22 Questions

Good Luck

Tahamohsin · Answer

Sajjad1994 
After reading the official explanation and the explanations given by other members, I think this question is aligned with the official question.
Sorry, earlier, I said that this question isn't align with the official question without reading the explanation.

AUG1523 · Answer

Why is the answer to Question 5 C? What is wrong with B and E? Please help. Very demotivated.

VerbalBot · Answer

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When discussing Civil War-era narratives, critics almost invariably re

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