Which one of the following can be inferred from the passage regarding the work of Frank Norris, Eugene O'Neill, and H...

Julie-V on August 28, 2019

Originally I chose answer choice (E). When I looked back at the passage, I saw that the authors mentioned in lines 51-53 were being compared to the ones mentioned in lines 47-48. Since the latter ones were more ambivalent towards railroads, that would mean that the former wouldn't be as ambivalent (since they're being contrasted), thus leading to (C)?

If an instructor could come and insert their analysis of this question, that would be great! Thanks in advance

Irina on August 29, 2019

@Julie & @EmilyMarieMenendez,

Great question. Julie's analysis is spot on.The passage says that when looking at the works of Henry James et al. , what comes through is feeling of contrariety and ambivalence. (Had he looked at the work of Frank Norris et al. , Stilgoe's case [that ambivalence toward the railroad disappeared after the 1880s] would be much stronger). This suggests that these writers' attitude toward the railroad is more positive compared to Henry James et al, as (C) accurately describes.

Let me know if you have any further questions.