The passage suggests that Wagner would be LEAST likely to agree with which one of the following statements about clas...
CeciJanuary 12, 2019
confused
Hello, I am confused as to how I should go about answering half the questions in RC. How do I go about answering this question? I chose A, if that helps you see what I'm doing wrong
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The passage discusses Otto Wagner’s ideas about modern architecture. While critics says that modern architecture focuses on “practical and technical issues at the expense of aesthetic concerns,†Wagner believed that modern architecture could simultaneously correspond to the demands of the present age while also meeting “aesthetic demands.†This tension or “apparent inconsistency†define Wagner’s writing and buildings.
The question asks you to pick the answer choice that Wagner would be LEAST likely to agree with, so we are looking for answers that are contrary to the Wagner’s ideas expressed in the passage. Let’s look at each answer choice in turn.
Answer A says that modern architects should avoid “mechanical imitation†of the models of Italian Renaissance and Austrian Baroque. In the passage it says that Wagner was “advising against the mechanical imitation of historical models.†While he was inspired by these historical models, he argued for “new forms appropriate to the modern age†and not mechanical imitations. Therefore, Wagner would likely agree with this statement and this is the incorrect choice.
Answer B says that modern architects cannot design building appropriate to modern society while retaining emotional attachment to historical models. This is precisely what Wagner did, as described in the final paragraph. He drew inspiration from his emotional attachment to the style of these old churches and repurposed them using the new forms of modern architecture. Therefore, Wagner would strongly disagree with this statement and it is the correct choice. Sometimes, it can be difficult when the answer asks you a question in the negative (what would Wagner LEAST agree with) and the answer also has a negative (modern architects CANNOT). Take a moment to read carefully to avoid misunderstanding.
Answer C says modern architects should process knowledge of engineering as well architecture of the past. Wagner would agree with this statement because he believed that architects “must learn as a rule to be a architect†(3rd paragraph) while also drawing inspiration from historical architecture (last paragraph).
Answer D says architects should not base designs on the technological conditions that underlay historical models. Wagner would agree with this statements because he believed that modern architecture “must correspond to the new materials and demands of the present†(2nd paragraph). While he believed in drawing aesthetic inspiration from past models, he did not advocate that modern architects should use the technology of past eras. This answer choice is another double negative.
Finally, Answer E says that modern architects should reflect political ideals different from those reflected in the designs of classical architecture. Wagner would agree with this statement. He believed that modern architect should reflect the “demands of the present†(2nd paragraph). He says “there was no way back to the social and technological conditions†that produced classical architecture (last paragraph).
