In the first decade of the 2000s, prominent book publishers began systematically promoting works from diverse non-Western literary movements—such as...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In the first decade of the 2000s, prominent book publishers began systematically promoting works from diverse non-Western literary movements—such as Latin American magical realism and African postcolonial fiction—within the umbrella category of "international literature" in order to appeal to wider English-reading markets. Though certain scholars have contended that such categorization reduces complex literary traditions to overly broad generalizations, academic researcher Dr. Elena Rodriguez argues that the international literature classification has effectively fostered significant intercultural conversation by emphasizing common thematic elements and stylistic approaches found throughout various literary movements.
Which discovery regarding magical realism and postcolonial fiction, if accurate, would provide the strongest evidence for Rodriguez's argument?
Both magical realism and postcolonial fiction have experienced substantial increases in readership within English-speaking audiences after their classification under international literature.
Contemporary global literature curricula commonly pair magical realism and postcolonial fiction in their course offerings.
Although emerging from separate continental contexts, magical realism and postcolonial fiction both examine concepts of cultural identity and collective memory via creative storytelling methods.
Magical realism arose within Latin American settings whereas postcolonial fiction evolved from African contexts, embodying separate cultural viewpoints.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In the first decade of the 2000s, prominent book publishers began systematically promoting works from diverse non-Western literary movements—such as Latin American magical realism and African postcolonial fiction—within the umbrella category of 'international literature' in order to appeal to wider English-reading markets." |
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| "Though certain scholars have contended that such categorization reduces complex literary traditions to overly broad generalizations," |
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| "academic researcher Dr. Elena Rodriguez argues that the international literature classification has effectively fostered significant intercultural conversation by emphasizing common thematic elements and stylistic approaches found throughout various literary movements." |
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Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Rodriguez defends publishers' "international literature" classification by arguing it successfully promotes intercultural dialogue through highlighting shared themes and styles across diverse literary movements.
Argument Flow: The passage sets up a debate about literary categorization. Publishers grouped diverse works together for market appeal, critics called this oversimplification, but Rodriguez counters that this approach actually works because it reveals meaningful commonalities that enable intercultural conversation.
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
- Rodriguez argues that grouping magical realism and postcolonial fiction together works because it highlights their "common thematic elements and stylistic approaches"
- Strong evidence would need to show that these two literary movements actually DO share meaningful thematic and stylistic similarities
- The discovery should demonstrate concrete examples of shared themes or shared approaches to storytelling that exist across both movements
- This would prove that the classification reveals genuine connections rather than arbitrary grouping
Both magical realism and postcolonial fiction have experienced substantial increases in readership within English-speaking audiences after their classification under international literature.
✗ Incorrect
- This shows increased popularity after categorization
- But popularity doesn't prove Rodriguez's point about common themes and styles fostering conversation
- Commercial success is different from intercultural dialogue based on shared literary elements
Contemporary global literature curricula commonly pair magical realism and postcolonial fiction in their course offerings.
✗ Incorrect
- Shows these movements are paired in academic settings
- But being taught together doesn't prove they actually share thematic and stylistic elements
- Could just be convenient grouping rather than evidence of meaningful commonalities
Although emerging from separate continental contexts, magical realism and postcolonial fiction both examine concepts of cultural identity and collective memory via creative storytelling methods.
✓ Correct
- Directly demonstrates the "common thematic elements" Rodriguez claims exist and shows "stylistic approaches" both movements share
- This evidence proves Rodriguez's core argument that the classification works because it reveals genuine shared elements that can foster intercultural conversation
Magical realism arose within Latin American settings whereas postcolonial fiction evolved from African contexts, embodying separate cultural viewpoints.
✗ Incorrect
- Emphasizes their separate origins and different viewpoints
- This would actually support the critics who say the categorization oversimplifies distinct traditions