Set 2: Inferences (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The sonnet sequence traces a progression from idealized love to bitter disillusionment. Early poems praise the beloved's beauty in conventional metaphors; later poems break from tradition, describing physical decay in graphic terms. Scholars debate whether this represents the speaker's psychological journey or a deliberate critique of poetic conventions themselves.
What interpretive choice does the scholarly debate concern?
Detailed Explanation
This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. 'Psychological journey' vs. 'critique of poetic conventions' = characterization vs. meta-commentary. A valid inference must be supported by evidence in the passage, even if not stated directly. Look for clues in the text that strongly suggest the answer. Avoid conclusions that require assumptions beyond what's written. Valid inferences are strongly supported by multiple pieces of evidence in the text. Be cautious of choices that go too far beyond what the passage actually states. The best inference is the one most directly supported by textual evidence.
Key Evidence:
• "speaker's psychological journey or deliberate critique of poetic conventions"
Why others are wrong: A (Rhyme isn't discussed.), B (These are love poems.), D ('Scholars debate' = disagreement.).