Text 1 Literary critic John Fallow analyzes the recurring imagery of storms in the poetry of 19th-century author Eliza Thorne. Fallow argues that the storms represent Thorne’s internal despair regarding the industrialization of her rural home. He cites the "violent winds" and "black rain" in her poems as clear metaphors for the factory smoke and noise that were destroying the pastoral landscape she loved.
Text 2 Biographer Mary Stone argues that interpretations of Thorne’s work must include her private correspondence. Stone notes that in letters to her brother, Thorne expressed great excitement about industrial machinery, calling steam engines "majestic beasts of progress." Stone contends that the storms in Thorne’s poetry were likely literal descriptions of the severe weather events recorded in the region during the 1840s, rather than metaphors for an industrialization she actually admired.
Based on the texts, how would Stone (Text 2) most likely respond to Fallow’s interpretation (Text 1)?
By suggesting that Fallow has failed to read the poems closely enough to see the industrial metaphors
By arguing that Fallow’s interpretation is contradicted by evidence regarding the author’s personal views on industrialization
By conceding that the storms are metaphors but arguing they represent political revolution rather than industrialization
By asserting that Thorne never actually wrote the poems attributed to her, making the interpretation moot
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. Text 1 interprets the poems as a critique of industrialization based on the text itself. Text 2 uses external evidence (private letters) to show the author actually admired industrialization. Therefore, Stone would respond that Fallow’s interpretation is incorrect because it conflicts with the author’s stated personal views.
Choice A is incorrect because Stone’s argument relies on external letters, not on reading the poems closer. Choice C is incorrect because Stone suggests the storms are likely literal descriptions of weather, not metaphors for revolution. Choice D is incorrect because authorship is not being questioned.