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Difficulty: HardWords in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

Though many nineteenth-century critics dismissed Mary Shelley's novel *Frankenstein* as a mere Gothic melodrama, modern scholars recognize it as a sophisticated critique of scientific hubris. By depicting the ruinous consequences of Victor Frankenstein’s unchecked ambition, Shelley does not simply seek to terrify her readers; rather, she aims to __________ the contemporary presumption that humanity could master the natural world without moral consequence.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

  1. subvertAnswer
  2. B
    countenance
  3. C
    delineate
  4. D
    corroborate

Answer

subvert
The correct answer is the word meaning to undermine or overthrow. The passage positions the novel as a critique of scientific hubris that illustrates the ruinous consequences of unchecked ambition. Thus, Shelley's aim is to challenge or undermine the contemporary presumption of mastering nature. The word that fits this function is the one that indicates undermining.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues surrounding the blank.
The passage establishes that Mary Shelley's novel is a 'critique of scientific hubris' highlighting the 'ruinous consequences' of 'unchecked ambition'.
This establishes that the novel takes a negative, critical stance toward the contemporary presumption about mastering the natural world.
2
Formulate a definition for the missing word based on the context.
The verb in the blank must describe how a critique treats a presumption it opposes, meaning to challenge, weaken, or undermine.
This sets up a precise semantic criterion to evaluate the choices.
3
Evaluate the choices against the target meaning.
The word 'subvert' (meaning to undermine or weaken) aligns with the critique, whereas the other options either mean to support ('countenance', 'corroborate') or simply describe ('delineate').
This identifies the correct choice based on semantic and contextual precision.

Key Concept

Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary
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Topics

Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

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