PrepTest 31, Section 2, Question 22
On the surface, Melville's Billy Budd is a simple story with a simple theme. However, if one views the novel as a religious allegory, then it assumes a richness and profundity that place it among the great novels of the nineteenth century. However, the central question remains: Did Melville intend an allegorical reading? Since there is no textual or historical evidence that he did, we should be content with reading Billy Budd as a simple tragedy.
On the surface, Melville's Billy Budd is a simple story with a simple theme. However, if one views the novel as a religious allegory, then it assumes a richness and profundity that place it among the great novels of the nineteenth century. However, the central question remains: Did Melville intend an allegorical reading? Since there is no textual or historical evidence that he did, we should be content with reading Billy Budd as a simple tragedy.
On the surface, Melville's Billy Budd is a simple story with a simple theme. However, if one views the novel as a religious allegory, then it assumes a richness and profundity that place it among the great novels of the nineteenth century. However, the central question remains: Did Melville intend an allegorical reading? Since there is no textual or historical evidence that he did, we should be content with reading Billy Budd as a simple tragedy.
On the surface, Melville's Billy Budd is a simple story with a simple theme. However, if one views the novel as a religious allegory, then it assumes a richness and profundity that place it among the great novels of the nineteenth century. However, the central question remains: Did Melville intend an allegorical reading? Since there is no textual or historical evidence that he did, we should be content with reading Billy Budd as a simple tragedy.
Which one of the following most accurately expresses the principle underlying the argument?
Given a choice between an allegorical and a nonallegorical reading of a novel, one should choose the latter.
The only relevant evidence in deciding in which genre to place a novel is the author's stated intention.
In deciding between rival readings of a novel, one should choose the one that is most favorable to the work.
Without relevant evidence as to a novel's intended reading, one should avoid viewing the work allegorically.
The only relevant evidence in deciding the appropriate interpretation of a text is the text itself.
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