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He was an actor of protean talent; but because of his success as a c
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21 Apr 2025, 09:28
21 Apr 2025, 09:28
Expert Reply
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Question Stats:
33% (00:42) correct
66% (00:36) wrong based on 18 sessions
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He was an actor of protean talent; but because of his success as a comedian, directors were loath to consider him for (i) __________ roles.
| Blank (i) |
|---|
| A. supporting |
| B. leading |
| C. sentimental | D. comedic | E. facetious |
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He was an actor of protean talent; but because of his success as a c
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22 Apr 2025, 23:55
22 Apr 2025, 23:55
Why would many people choose wrong. Not a challenging question.
Re: He was an actor of protean talent; but because of his success as a c
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25 Apr 2025, 04:30
25 Apr 2025, 04:30
Expert Reply
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Understanding the Sentence Structure
The sentence describes an actor with **"protean talent"** (meaning versatile, able to play many types of roles), but due to his **success as a comedian**, directors were **reluctant ("loath")** to consider him for certain roles.
Key phrases:
- "Protean talent"** → He can play diverse roles.
- "Success as a comedian"** → He’s strongly associated with comedy.
- "Loath to consider him for ___ roles"** → Directors hesitate to cast him in roles that **contrast** with his comedic image.
2. Analyzing Each Option**
(A) supporting
- Meaning:** Minor or secondary roles.
- Why it’s wrong:** His comedic success doesn’t logically exclude him from supporting roles.
(B) leading
- Meaning:** Main or starring roles.
- Why it’s wrong:** A successful comedian could still be considered for leading roles (e.g., Jim Carrey in *The Truman Show*).
(C) sentimental
- Meaning:** Emotional, heartfelt roles.
- Why it fits:** Directors might hesitate to cast a comedian in serious, dramatic, or sentimental roles due to **typecasting** (e.g., audiences expecting humor).
(D) comedic
- Meaning:** Funny or humorous roles.
- Why it’s wrong:** This would contradict the sentence—directors wouldn’t avoid casting him in the roles he’s known for.
(E) facetious
- Meaning:** Playfully humorous or flippant.
- Why it’s wrong:** Similar to (D), this is too close to comedy. Directors wouldn’t avoid casting him in roles that align with his success.
3. Why "Sentimental" is the Best Answer**
- The actor’s **comedic persona** creates a **mental barrier** for directors considering him for **serious or tender roles** (sentimental = emotional, non-comedic).
- **Typecasting** is a common issue in acting—directors often resist casting actors against their established image.
- Example: Robin Williams (known for comedy) initially struggled to be taken seriously in dramatic roles like *Good Will Hunting*.
4. Eliminating Distractors**
- Supporting (A)** and **leading (B)** are unrelated to genre.
- Comedic (D)** and **facetious (E)** are the opposite of what’s needed.
1. Understanding the Sentence Structure
The sentence describes an actor with **"protean talent"** (meaning versatile, able to play many types of roles), but due to his **success as a comedian**, directors were **reluctant ("loath")** to consider him for certain roles.
Key phrases:
- "Protean talent"** → He can play diverse roles.
- "Success as a comedian"** → He’s strongly associated with comedy.
- "Loath to consider him for ___ roles"** → Directors hesitate to cast him in roles that **contrast** with his comedic image.
2. Analyzing Each Option**
(A) supporting
- Meaning:** Minor or secondary roles.
- Why it’s wrong:** His comedic success doesn’t logically exclude him from supporting roles.
(B) leading
- Meaning:** Main or starring roles.
- Why it’s wrong:** A successful comedian could still be considered for leading roles (e.g., Jim Carrey in *The Truman Show*).
(C) sentimental
- Meaning:** Emotional, heartfelt roles.
- Why it fits:** Directors might hesitate to cast a comedian in serious, dramatic, or sentimental roles due to **typecasting** (e.g., audiences expecting humor).
(D) comedic
- Meaning:** Funny or humorous roles.
- Why it’s wrong:** This would contradict the sentence—directors wouldn’t avoid casting him in the roles he’s known for.
(E) facetious
- Meaning:** Playfully humorous or flippant.
- Why it’s wrong:** Similar to (D), this is too close to comedy. Directors wouldn’t avoid casting him in roles that align with his success.
3. Why "Sentimental" is the Best Answer**
- The actor’s **comedic persona** creates a **mental barrier** for directors considering him for **serious or tender roles** (sentimental = emotional, non-comedic).
- **Typecasting** is a common issue in acting—directors often resist casting actors against their established image.
- Example: Robin Williams (known for comedy) initially struggled to be taken seriously in dramatic roles like *Good Will Hunting*.
4. Eliminating Distractors**
- Supporting (A)** and **leading (B)** are unrelated to genre.
- Comedic (D)** and **facetious (E)** are the opposite of what’s needed.
