Question

The primary purpose of the statements in lines 39-45 (One . . . that era) is to

• A. provide an interpretation of a viewpoint described in the previous paragraph
• B. show how Platos view of politics should be understood in todays terms
• C. put divergent interpretations of Plato into historical perspective
• D. account for the appeal of Platos writings
• E. signal a digression in the passage

Answer 1

The correct option is A provide an interpretation of a viewpoint described in the previous paragraph

Lines 39-45 of the passage explains the reason why Plato and others wanted to ban poetry and drama. The previous paragraph states Plato's disdain for Homer and poetry and the cited lines explain the reasons for this disdain. The academic describes why Plato could have hated poetry (Plato's elitism) and the rest of the lines sums up his dislike for mass culture. Thus A is the best answer.