Question

Read this sentence from paragraph 8. All of which is very depressing, and makes one want to renounce joking and lead a better life. Why does the author conclude the essay with this sentence? A. to show that the methods of comic storytelling are counterproductive B. to give insight into the mental state of the author and instill empathy in the reader C. to subtly criticize humorous storytelling as immoral D. to give an alternative to the career of a professional storyteller

Short answer

B. to give insight into the mental state of the author and instill empathy in the reader.

Step-by-step solution

Read and understand the sentence

Carefully read the provided sentence and make note of its tone and possible intentions. In this case, the sentence reads: "All of which is very depressing, and makes one want to renounce joking and lead a better life."

Review the options

Read through the given options (A, B, C, and D) to understand the different interpretations of the sentence and how it concludes the essay.

Compare the sentence with the options

Analyze the sentence and compare it with the interpretations provided in the options. Consider the tone, context, and possible implications to determine which option is the most accurate. A. The sentence talks about the depressing nature of the content and wanting to renounce joking to lead a better life; it could be saying comic storytelling is counterproductive. B. The sentence allows the reader to somewhat grasp the author's mental state, as it shares a feeling of depression and a desire to change. C. The sentence doesn't directly criticize humorous storytelling as immoral, but it could be implying a subtle criticism through the author's desire to change. D. The sentence doesn't explicitly mention an alternative to being a professional storyteller.

Select the best option

Based on the analysis and comparison, option B seems to be the most fitting explanation for the sentence in question. The sentence gives insight into the mental state of the author (depressed and willing to change) and allows the reader to empathize with the author's feelings. Answer: B. to give insight into the mental state of the author and instill empathy in the reader.

Key concepts

Interpretation of Text

Understanding the interpretation of text means looking deeper than just the literal meaning of words. When we interpret a text, we think about the underlying feelings, moods, and ideas that the author may be trying to express. In this exercise, it's crucial to explore how the sentence reflects a feeling of depression and a desire to "lead a better life." This signifies that the author might be conveying a deeper sense of dissatisfaction or contemplation, which can impact the overall message of the text.

To interpret text effectively, consider the following steps:

• Examine the tone and mood of the passage.
• Think about the author's choice of words and phrases.
• Reflect on how the sentence ties into the larger context of the work.

By doing so, readers can gain a fuller understanding of the author's message and potential meanings beyond the surface level. This skill is key to uncovering layers of meaning and making informed interpretations.

Author's Intent

The author's intent is the purpose behind their writing. It's the "why" that drives the narrative or message within a piece of text. In the context of this exercise, the author's intent might be to share their own feelings or emotions, as indicated by the choice of the word "depressing."

To grasp the intent behind a piece of text, consider:

• What the author wants the reader to feel or understand.
• Whether the author is trying to persuade, inform, entertain, or express personal reflections.
• How the concluding sentence works to reinforce these purposes.

The sentence in question provides insight into the author’s emotional state, hinting at a reflective purpose, possibly inviting the reader to empathize or engage with the author's personal journey. Recognizing the intent allows readers to connect more intimately with the text.

Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension is the ability to process text and understand its meaning. It involves decoding words, making connections between concepts, and drawing conclusions about information presented in the text. In this exercise, comprehension entails understanding both the literal and inferred meanings of the given sentence.

To enhance reading comprehension, keep these strategies in mind:

• Identify key themes and ideas in the text.
• Make connections between sentences and paragraphs to see the overall structure.
• Ask questions about the text's meaning, including character motivations and outcomes.

Effective comprehension leads not only to understanding surface-level content but also to empathizing with characters, discerning themes, and recognizing the emotional or intellectual depth of the text. When readers engage more thoroughly with content, their ability to interpret complex narratives and appreciate different perspectives increases significantly.