Question

Difficulty: MediumAnalyzing Tone and Attitude

The following passage is adapted from an essay on the cultural transition from handwriting to mechanical typewriting in the late nineteenth century.

"The introduction of the commercial typewriter in the late nineteenth century was met with a curious mixture of apprehension and dismissive amusement by the literary establishment. Traditionalists lamented the machine’s clinical clatter, arguing that the intimate connection between the author's hand, pen, and paper was the very crucible of creative thought. To them, the typed page possessed a cold, mechanical uniformity that stripped prose of its individual soul. Yet, this high-minded resistance could not stem the tide of progress. Within a few decades, even the most stubborn romanticists had succumbed to the typewriter’s undeniable efficiency, trading the inkwell for the ribbon. What had once been decried as a vulgar instrument of the business office was quietly elevated to the essential tool of the modern novelist, showing that the march of utility eventually conquers even the most passionate aesthetic objections."

Which of the following best describes the author���s attitude toward the traditionalists’ resistance to the typewriter?

  1. mildly ironic, noting that the traditionalists' passionate aesthetic objections eventually gave way to practical utility.Answer
  2. B
    strongly disapproving, reprimanding the literary establishment for delaying the modernization of writing.
  3. C
    deeply nostalgic, expressing regret that the intimate connection of handwriting has been lost to technology.
  4. D
    reverently admiring, praising the traditionalists for their noble defense of classical artistic methods.

Answer

mildly ironic, noting that the traditionalists' passionate aesthetic objections eventually gave way to practical utility
The correct option is correct because the author's language indicates a playful, detached attitude. By using terms like 'high-minded resistance' and 'stubborn romanticists,' and highlighting how they ultimately 'succumbed' to what they previously decried as 'vulgar,' the author establishes a tone of mild irony regarding the defeat of aesthetic ideals by practical utility.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate key descriptions of the traditionalists' arguments and the author's characterization of those arguments.
The traditionalists argue that the pen is the 'crucible of creative thought' and that typewriters possess a 'cold, mechanical uniformity.'
This establishes the perspective of the characters in the text, which must be distinguished from the author's perspective.
2
Analyze the author's choice of adjectives and verbs when introducing the resolution of this conflict.
The author refers to their stance as 'high-minded resistance' and describes the objectors as 'stubborn romanticists' who ultimately 'succumbed' to 'undeniable efficiency.'
Word choice reveals the author's underlying attitude. Calling the resistance 'high-minded' and the objectors 'stubborn' indicates a lack of sincere reverence or complete sympathy.
3
Synthesize the contrast between the traditionalists' initial resistance and their final adoption of the typewriter.
The passage notes that a device once 'decried as a vulgar instrument' became 'quietly elevated to the essential tool,' showing that practical needs ultimately triumphed.
This contrast shows the author finds the situation ironic: the passionate aesthetic arguments were quickly abandoned once the writers experienced the machine's actual utility.

Key Concept

Analyzing Tone and Attitude
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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