GRE Question of the Day (March 2nd)

Verbal

A serious critic has to comprehend the particular content, unique structure, and special meaning of a work of art. And here she faces a dilemma. The critic must recognize the artistic element of uniqueness that requires subjective reaction; yet she must not be unduly prejudiced by such reactions. Her likes and dislikes are less important than what the work itself communicates, and her preferences may blind her to certain qualities of the work and thereby prevent an adequate understanding of it. Hence, it is necessary that a critic develop a sensibility informed by familiarity with the history of art and aesthetic theory. On the other hand, it is insufficient to treat the artwork solely historically, in relation to a fixed set of ideas or values. The critic's knowledge and training are, rather, preparation of the cognitive and emotional abilities needed for an adequate personal response to an artwork's own particular qualities.

17. According to the author, a serious art critic may avoid being prejudiced by her subjective reactions if she

(A) treats an artwork in relation to a fixed set of ideas and values
(B) brings to her observation a knowledge of art history and aesthetic theory
(C) allows more time for the observation of each artwork
(D) takes into account the preferences of other art critics
(E) limits herself to that art with which she has adequate familiarity

Correct Answer - B - (click and drag your mouse to see the answer)

18. The author implies that it is insufficient to treat a work of art solely historically because

(A) doing so would lead the critic into a dilemma
(B) doing so can blind the critic to some of the artwork's unique qualities
(C) doing so can insulate the critic from personally held beliefs
(D) subjective reactions can produce a biased response
(E) critics are not sufficiently familiar with art history

Correct Answer - B - (click and drag your mouse to see the answer)

19. The passage suggests that the author would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?

(A) Art speaks to the passions as well as to the intellect.
(B) Most works of art express unconscious wishes or desires.
(C) The best art is accessible to the greatest number of people.
(D) The art produced in the last few decades is of inferior quality.
(E) The meaning of art is a function of the social conditions in which it was produced.

Correct Answer - A - (click and drag your mouse to see the answer)

20. The author's argument is developed primarily by the use of

(A) an attack on sentimentality
(B) an example of successful art criticism
(C) a critique of artists' training
(D) a warning against extremes in art criticism
(E) an analogy between art criticism and art production

Correct Answer - D - (click and drag your mouse to see the answer)

Question Discussion & Explanation