Question

In the first paragraph of the passage, the author's attitude toward the literary critics mentioned can best be described as:

• A. disparaging
• B. ironic
• C. factious
• D. skeptical but resigned

Answer 1

The correct option is A

disparaging

The literary critics discussed in the first paragraph ignored Scalp’s intention to criticize society and saw her as a ‘poetic’ novelist unconcerned with the real world. This question asks you to identify the tone of the remarks made by the author of the passage concerning this assessment of Scalp’s work. Option (a) is the correct choice. The author’s characterization of the critics’ assessment as ‘cavalier’ can be described as ‘disparaging’. In this context, both ‘cavalier’ and ‘disparaging’ refer to casually and disrespectfully dismissing an important matter.