Question

What is the “optical illusion” referred to in the passage?

• A. A rounded man looking villainous
• B. A rounded man looking hungry
• C. A rounded man looking cherubic
• D. A rounded man looking more trustworthy than the lean man
• A. Because the telecasts are poor
• B. Because the frames are edited haphazard
• C. Because the viewer never sees them physically
• D. None of the above
• A. Market place and speaker’s corner
• B. Television and presentations
• C. Interlocution and television
• D. Political speech and presenters on television

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The passage begins with a quote from Julius Caesar advocating for “fat, sleek-headed men” as trustworthy and non-threatening, and criticizes the “lean and hungry look.” It explains that people generally find rounded or bulky individuals to be more trustworthy or sound in character. This perception, as implied by the author, is an “optical illusion” — a misleading judgment based solely on appearance.

Answer 2

The phrase “disembodied” refers to the “voice-over” type of presenters — those whose physical appearance is not visible on screen. The author specifically contrasts disembodied voices with the “corporal view” of presenters who appear physically. Hence, an interlocutor is “disembodied” when only their voice is heard without being seen physically.

Answer 3

In the passage, the author says: “It is not a market place, nor a speaker’s corner,” to emphasize that television is a more intimate and personal medium. These references — market place and speaker’s corner — are cited as contrasts to explain what television is not. Thus, these two are the “public arenas” referred to.