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Difficulty: Very hardSentence Addition and Deletion Decisions

In her seminal 1978 essay, literary theorist Sandra Gilbert examined how nineteenth-century women writers navigated a male-dominated literary landscape. [1] Gilbert argued that these authors often employed a "double-voiced discourse," layering subversive themes beneath seemingly conventional plots. This narrative strategy allowed them to appeal to mainstream publishers while simultaneously communicating a critique of patriarchal structures to receptive readers. Charlotte Brontë’s novel *Jane Eyre*, for instance, features a madwoman in the attic who serves as a dark double for the docile protagonist.

The writer is considering adding the following sentence to the passage at [1]:

"Many nineteenth-century publishers were hesitant to print works that openly challenged domestic expectations of women."

Should the writer make this addition?

  1. A
    Yes, because it establishes that nineteenth-century publishers were the primary target audience for Sandra Gilbert's literary theory.
  2. Yes, because it provides historical context that clarifies the necessity of the "double-voiced discourse" mentioned in the paragraph.Answer
  3. C
    No, because it interrupts the flow of the paragraph by introducing an irrelevant detail about the publishing industry.
  4. D
    No, because it contradicts the passage's claim that women writers were able to successfully communicate critiques of patriarchal structures.

Answer

Yes, because it provides historical context that clarifies the necessity of the "double-voiced discourse" mentioned in the paragraph.
The addition of the proposed sentence is appropriate because it establishes the historical barrier (publishers' hesitation to print controversial material) that compelled nineteenth-century women writers to use a 'double-voiced discourse' to get their work printed while still conveying their critique of patriarchal society.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the proposed sentence to identify its main subject and purpose.
The sentence explains that nineteenth-century publishers hesitated to publish writing that openly challenged traditional female domestic roles.
To determine how the sentence relates to the passage, its core content must first be understood.
2
Evaluate the context surrounding the insertion point to see if the sentence establishes a logical connection.
Before the insertion point, the passage introduces women navigating a male-dominated landscape. After the insertion point, it mentions writers using a 'double-voiced discourse' with hidden subversive themes to appeal to mainstream publishers.
Assessing the sentences before and after the insertion point reveals the logical flow and transition requirements.
3
Assess if the proposed sentence bridges these ideas or adds relevant information.
The proposed sentence connects the male-dominated landscape to the need for double-voiced discourse by explaining why they had to hide their critique: publishers were reluctant to print open challenges.
Determining the rhetorical utility of the sentence dictates whether it should be kept or deleted.
4
Match this function to the correct option and eliminate distractors.
The correct choice must support adding the sentence because it provides the historical context explaining the necessity of the double-voiced discourse.
Eliminating choices with incorrect justifications ensures that the selected option has both the correct decision (Yes) and the correct reason.

Key Concept

Sentence Addition and Deletion Decisions
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Topics

Sentence Addition and Deletion Decisions

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