Poetry in Classical Nahuatl, the language of the Aztec Empire, relies on difrasismo, or a parallel noun construction that conventionally...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Poetry in Classical Nahuatl, the language of the Aztec Empire, relies on difrasismo, or a parallel noun construction that conventionally operates as a single metaphor. For example, the common difrasismo in cuauhtli in ocelotl (literally, 'the eagle, the jaguar') signifies 'warrior.' The device's function is both formal—providing structure to lines of verse—and ritual: semantic relations among the two nouns and the concept they signify can be tenuous, as in the previous example, such that difrasismos are often only intelligible according to the conceptual associations observed in Aztec ceremonial culture.
Which statement about the difrasismo in cuauhtli in ocelotl is most strongly supported by the text?
Its metaphorical significance derives from the semantic equivalence of the two nouns constituting the difrasismo.
Its unintelligibility may cause its formal function within a line of verse to go unnoticed by present-day readers.
Its apparent obscurity can be resolved when considered in the proper cultural context.
Its frequency in Classical Nahuatl poetry confirms its intelligibility to the Aztec audience.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Poetry in Classical Nahuatl, the language of the Aztec Empire, relies on difrasismo, or a parallel noun construction that conventionally operates as a single metaphor." |
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| "For example, the common difrasismo in cuauhtli in ocelotl (literally, 'the eagle, the jaguar') signifies 'warrior.'" |
|
| "The device's function is both formal—providing structure to lines of verse—and ritual:" |
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| "semantic relations among the two nouns and the concept they signify can be tenuous, as in the previous example," |
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| "such that difrasismos are often only intelligible according to the conceptual associations observed in Aztec ceremonial culture." |
|
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which statement about the specific difrasismo example ("in cuauhtli in ocelotl") is most strongly supported by the text
What type of answer do we need? A claim that can be directly backed up by information in the passage about this particular example
Any limiting keywords? "most strongly supported by the text" - we need direct textual evidence, not inference
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The passage gives us several key pieces of information about the "eagle, jaguar" = "warrior" example
- First, it shows that the connection between the two nouns and their meaning can be "tenuous" - meaning weak or unclear
- Second, it tells us that such difrasismos are "often only intelligible according to the conceptual associations observed in Aztec ceremonial culture"
- This means what might seem confusing or obscure to us becomes clear when we understand the cultural context
Its metaphorical significance derives from the semantic equivalence of the two nouns constituting the difrasismo.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims metaphorical significance comes from "semantic equivalence" of the two nouns
- This directly contradicts the passage, which states semantic relations can be "tenuous"
Its unintelligibility may cause its formal function within a line of verse to go unnoticed by present-day readers.
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests unintelligibility causes formal function to be unnoticed by modern readers
- Passage doesn't discuss modern readers' perception of formal function
Its apparent obscurity can be resolved when considered in the proper cultural context.
✓ Correct
- States the apparent obscurity is resolved when considered in proper cultural context
- This matches exactly what the passage tells us about the example
Its frequency in Classical Nahuatl poetry confirms its intelligibility to the Aztec audience.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims frequency confirms intelligibility to Aztec audience
- Passage never mentions frequency or provides evidence about historical audience understanding