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Difficulty: Very hardParallel Structure

The literary critic argued that the author's late novels succeed not because they present realistic depictions of historical events, but because they explore the psychological fragmentation of their characters, and by challenging the conventional narrative structures of the era.

Which of the following choices best maintains a parallel grammatical structure in the sentence?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. but because they explore the psychological fragmentation of their characters and challengeAnswer
  3. C
    but because they explore the psychological fragmentation of their characters and challenged
  4. D
    but because of their exploration of the psychological fragmentation of their characters, and to challenge

Answer

The correct choice is the one that uses present-tense parallel verbs ('explore' and 'challenge') within the subordinate clause starting with 'but because'.
The correct choice maintains parallel structure by using the subordinating conjunction 'because' to mirror the initial clause ('not because they present...') and by coordinating two present-tense verbs ('explore' and 'challenge') that share the subject 'they'. This keeps the sentence grammatically balanced and clear.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the parallel elements in the sentence, starting with the correlative construction 'not because... but because...'.
The first element of the comparison is 'not because they present...', which establishes that the parallel elements must be clauses introduced by the subordinating conjunction 'because' followed by present-tense verbs.
To maintain parallel structure, the parts of the sentence expressing comparable ideas must share the same grammatical form.
2
Analyze the second element (the underlined part) to ensure it mirrors the first element.
The second element must begin with 'but because they...' and contain present-tense verbs to match the structure of 'not because they present...'.
Symmetry between the two clauses of a correlative conjunction is required for grammatical correctness.
3
Ensure any compound verbs within the second element are also parallel.
The verbs 'explore' and 'challenge' are both present-tense verbs that share the subject 'they'.
Coordinated actions performed by the same subject within a clause must share the same verb tense and form.

Key Concept

Parallel Structure
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Topics

Parallel Structure

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