Barchester Towers is an 1857 novel by Anthony Trollope. In the novel, Trollope's portrayal of Dr. Proudie underscores the character's...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Barchester Towers is an 1857 novel by Anthony Trollope. In the novel, Trollope's portrayal of Dr. Proudie underscores the character's exaggerated sense of his own abilities: ________
Which quotation from Barchester Towers most effectively illustrates the claim?
'It must not…be taken as proved that Dr. Proudie was a man of great mental powers, or even of much capacity for business, for such qualities had not been required in him.'
[Dr. Proudie] was comparatively young, and had, as he fondly flattered himself, been selected as possessing such gifts, natural and acquired, as must be sure to recommend him to a yet higher notice.'
[Dr. Proudie's] residence in the metropolis, rendered necessary by duties thus entrusted to him, his high connexions, and the peculiar talents and nature of the man, recommended him to persons in power.'
[Dr. Proudie] was certainly possessed of sufficient tact to answer the purpose for which he was required without making himself troublesome.'
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Barchester Towers is an 1857 novel by Anthony Trollope.' |
|
| 'In the novel, Trollope's portrayal of Dr. Proudie underscores the character's exaggerated sense of his own abilities:' |
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Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Trollope's portrayal reveals that Dr. Proudie has an inflated view of his own capabilities.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes the novel's context, then makes a specific claim about how Trollope characterizes Dr. Proudie as someone who overestimates his abilities, but we need evidence to support this characterization.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should show Dr. Proudie thinking highly of himself
- Demonstrate self-flattery or overconfidence about his abilities
- Reveal a gap between how he sees himself versus reality
'It must not…be taken as proved that Dr. Proudie was a man of great mental powers, or even of much capacity for business, for such qualities had not been required in him.'
✗ Incorrect
- States that Dr. Proudie was NOT a man of great mental powers or business capacity
- This contradicts the claim by showing he lacks abilities rather than thinking he has them
[Dr. Proudie] was comparatively young, and had, as he fondly flattered himself, been selected as possessing such gifts, natural and acquired, as must be sure to recommend him to a yet higher notice.'
✓ Correct
- Shows Dr. Proudie 'fondly flattered himself' that he was selected for his 'gifts, natural and acquired'
- The phrase 'fondly flattered himself' directly demonstrates self-delusion about his abilities
[Dr. Proudie's] residence in the metropolis, rendered necessary by duties thus entrusted to him, his high connexions, and the peculiar talents and nature of the man, recommended him to persons in power.'
✗ Incorrect
- Objectively describes his residence, connections, and talents as recommending him to powerful people
- This is about his actual qualifications, not his exaggerated self-perception
[Dr. Proudie] was certainly possessed of sufficient tact to answer the purpose for which he was required without making himself troublesome.'
✗ Incorrect
- States he had sufficient tact for his required purpose
- This is an objective assessment of his competence, not evidence of self-aggrandizement