Question

The writer wants to add a conclusion that reinforces the idea that Anderson focused on her singing as a way to fight intolerance. Which choice best accomplishes this goal? A) She rarely spoke of her Lincoln Memorial performance and didn't express anger toward the injustice she had experienced that day and throughout her life, preferring to influence people through the power of her singing. B) As a result of her 1939 performance, Anderson won the Spingarn Medal for outstanding achievement by an African American and later sang the National Anthem at President Kennedy's inauguration. C) She paved the way for and inspired other African American artists such as singers Leontyne Price and Jessye Norman, the latter of whom performed at an anniversary concert in Anderson's honor in 2014. D) She was a contralto, which is a type of classical singing voice that uses the lowest female vocal range, and while she was a talented singer even as a child, she did not have formal lessons until age fifteen.

Short answer

Choice A best accomplishes the goal of reinforcing the idea that Anderson focused on her singing as a way to fight intolerance, by highlighting that she did not express anger or speak about her experiences, instead choosing to impact people through her singing.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluating Choice A

We should look at whether choice A focuses on Anderson's singing as a way to fight intolerance. It talks about how she did not express anger towards injustice or talk about her experiences, instead choosing to impact people through her singing. This choice emphasizes the idea that Anderson's singing was her primary way to fight intolerance.

Evaluating Choice B

We should look at whether choice B focuses on Anderson's singing as a way to fight intolerance. While it mentions her singing achievements, such as receiving the Spingarn Medal and singing at President Kennedy's inauguration, it does not explicitly link these achievements to fighting intolerance.

Evaluating Choice C

We should look at whether choice C focuses on Anderson's singing as a way to fight intolerance. This choice mentions the impact Anderson had on other artists and her inspiration for future African American singers. However, it does not directly connect Anderson's singing to combating intolerance.

Evaluating Choice D

We should look at whether choice D focuses on Anderson's singing as a way to fight intolerance. This choice provides background information on Anderson's singing abilities and how she attained them. It does not specifically address the idea of her singing as a way to fight intolerance.

Selecting the Best Choice

We now need to identify which choice best serves as a conclusion that reinforces the idea that Anderson used her singing to fight intolerance. Based on the evaluations of the choices, choice A is the best option. It emphasizes how Anderson chose to influence people through her singing rather than directly confront the injustices she faced.

Key concepts

Marian Anderson

Marian Anderson was a renowned African American singer born in 1897. She was highly celebrated for her contralto voice, which is the lowest range in female vocal tones. Anderson's musical journey began without formal training until she was 15, but her exceptional talent swiftly emerged. She broke barriers by performing on prominent stages worldwide and was the first African American to sing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1955. Despite the racial prejudices prevalent in her era, Anderson’s legacy gallops on, not only in her musical feats but in her dignified refusal to retaliate against the bigotry she encountered. Instead, she turned her focus on her singing, letting her art speak against the intolerance she faced, a cumulative protest that resonated powerfully on universal stages. Her notable performance at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 exemplifies this; barred from a venue due to racial segregation, she delivered a stirring outdoor concert that reached millions, underscoring music as her instrument of change.

Intolerance in Literature

Intolerance in literature explores the themes of bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination that individuals or groups face, often highlighting their struggles and resilience. This theme is fused into narratives to paint a vivid picture of societal challenges. Literature serves as a poignant vehicle to exemplify the effects of intolerance, echoing the real-life experiences of individuals like Marian Anderson. By featuring characters or celebrities who encounter and triumph over intolerance, literature illuminates the sheer force of perseverance and the transformative power of art and voice. For Anderson, her singing became a literary avenue, one where the sound transcends words, advocating for equity and acceptance without uttering a single complaint or angered word. Readers learn vital life lessons, pushing them to challenge societal norms and pursue justice in a world that still battles with discrimination day after day. Through these works, literature has the power to not only reflect society but also inspire necessary changes.

African American Artists

African American artists have long used their crafts to mirror and challenge racial issues, pushing for societal shifts and justice. Marian Anderson is part of a rich lineage of African American artists who have transcended barriers to touch lives worldwide. These artists often engage themes of identity, resistance, and survival in their work, which is not only a testament to their creativity but also their resilience in the face of racial adversity. The impact of these artists extends beyond their chosen crafts. Figures like Anderson inspired countless others, paving pathways in industries that once excluded them.
Her performances, for instance, uplifted upcoming artists like Leontyne Price and Jessye Norman, strengthening the diversity and richness of the arts field. Understanding the contribution of African American artists is crucial to appreciating their influence on cultural and social landscapes. Their work not only reflects their personal journeys but also shapes a collective narrative - one that advocates for a more inclusive and equitable society.