Moreover, Shakespeare uses physiological symbols to portray [u]Richard’s vile nature[/u], including a disabling hunched back and a withered arm

From this we do know it is a in-depth analysis or a better understanding of the person

(A) gently criticize typical audience gullibility.

no critique

(B) roundly repudiate recent archaeological findings.

no refusal

(C) contrast literal and representational symbols.

no contrast

(D) further ground his analysis in a literary context.

correct

(E) refute the stereotypes of physical limitations.

no refusal

1. With which of the following statements would the author of the passage most likely agree (Inference Question)?

(A) In Richard III, Shakespeare portrays the king as more noble than he actually was. Opposite. "Shakespeare’s storyline includes Richard’s murder of his nephews". This says otherwise.
(B) The dramatic presentations of historical figures in literature should always strain credibility. Opposite. "we now also know that Richard’s real body is not the one in which Shakespeare has him strut his hour upon the stage.". This says otherwise.
(C) Richard III was not the villainous king that Shakespeare leads us to believe. Shakespeare uses physiological symbols to portray Richard’s vile nature. He was actually not the villain.
(D) Richard III may have had a justifiable reason for suffocating his nephews. -Out of scope
(E) Shakespeare’s political leanings were aligned with those of Henry Tudor. - out of scope

2. The author of the passage refers to Shakespeare’s “physiological symbolism” (Highlighted) most probably in order to (Function Question type)

"including a disabling hunched back and a withered arm.". Author is just adding to previous sentence.

(A) gently criticize typical audience gullibility. - opposite
(B) roundly repudiate (refuse) recent archaeological findings. - opposite
(C) contrast literal and representational symbols. - out of scope
(D) further ground his analysis in a literary context.
(E) refute the stereotypes of physical limitations. - opposite

3. It can be inferred from the passage that Shakespeare strove for a “narrative arc” (Highlighted) that (Function Question type)

"toward an uplifting ending" - meaning to a positive ending

(A) rose to a moment of intense conflict before reaching an ambiguous and ironic conclusion. - out of scope
(B) manipulated audience reaction over a continuum of emotional response from horror to relief.
(C) employed plot twists and reversals in order to create the surprise ending of a new political order. Inconsistent.
(D) provided a high degree of verisimilitude with the actual events of English history. - out of scope
(E) capitalized on the dramatic tension supplied by evildoing and eventual atonement for it. - out of scope