Question

The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Lyric poetry is a genre of private meditation rather than public commitment. The impulse in Marxism toward changing a society deemed unacceptable in its basic design would seem to place demands on lyric poetry that such poetry, with its tendency toward the personal, the small scale, and the idiosyncratic, could never answer. There is within Marxism, however, also a strand of thought that would locate in lyric poetry alternative modes of perception and description that call forth a vision of worlds at odds with a repressive reality or that draw attention to the workings of ideology within the hegemonic culture. The poetic imagination may indeed deflect larger social concerns, but it may also be implicitly critical and utopian.

• A. Marxism has internal contradictions due to which one strand of Marxism sees no merit in lyric poetry while another appreciates the alternative modes of perception in poetry.
• B. The focus of lyric poetry as personal may not seem compatible with Marxism. However, it is possible to envisage lyric poetry as a symbol of resistance against an oppressive culture.
• C. Marxism makes unreasonable demands on lyric poetry. However, lyric poetry has its own merits that are largely ignored by Marxism due to its personal nature.
• D. The focus of lyric poetry is largely personal while that of Marxism is bringing change in society. Unless the difference is resolved, poetry will remain largely utopian.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine the best summary, analyze the core themes presented in the passage: 1. Lyric poetry is characterized as a genre focused on private meditation. 2. Marxism aims to change society by addressing its fundamental flaws. 3. There's an inherent contradiction within Marxism regarding lyric poetry; one aspect involves criticism, yet another finds potential in its alternative perception modes. With these themes in mind, let us examine the provided options:

• The first option highlights internal contradictions in Marxism concerning lyric poetry, aligning with the passage. However, it does not fully capture the potential role of lyric poetry as a symbol of resistance.
• The correct answer states that lyric poetry's personal nature might not initially align with Marxism, yet it can serve as resistance against oppressive cultures. This correctly reflects the passage's acknowledgment of poetry's critical and utopian capabilities.
• The third option suggests Marxism overlooks lyric poetry's merits, emphasizing a one-sided critique not present in the passage.
• The fourth option suggests a fundamental focus difference without resolution, missing the duality and broader possibilities mentioned in the passage.

The right answer clearly identifies and reconciles the apparent contradiction by portraying lyric poetry as a form of resistance, aligning effectively with the essence of the passage.