Question

What is most likely the author's intent in including the following passage (lines 1-8)?

In this hard toil I've such a goiter grown,
Like cats that water drink in Lombardy,
(Or wheresoever else the place may be)
That chin and belly meet perforce in one.
My beard doth point to heaven, my scalp its place
Upon my shoulder finds; my chest, you'll say,
A harpy's is, my paintbrush all the day
Doth drop a rich mosaic on my face.
A. To disgust readers and discourage them from seeking out his work in the future.
B. To convey the idea that painting, often portrayed as glamorous and romantic, is in his case actually physically unpleasant.
C. To compare himself to as many ill-favored creatures as possible.
D. To describe how the labor that he put into his paintings was worth it.

Answer 1

The author's intent in the passage is to illustrate the physical hardships and discomforts that accompany the process of painting, challenging the idealistic view of artistry and emphasizing the sacrifices made by artists.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author's intent in including the passage from lines 1-8 is best represented by option B: To convey the idea that painting, often portrayed as glamorous and romantic, is in his case actually physically unpleasant. The passage describes the physical transformations and discomforts the author experiences through the act of painting, which contradicts the typical romanticized perceptions of the artist's work. The vivid imagery highlights the toll the creative process can take on the artist, showcasing painting as a laborious task that is far from glamorous and emphasizing the sacrifice artists make for their craft.

It is clear from reading the passage and reviewing the corresponding descriptions of artists and artistry from various texts, that the author is not seeking to disgust readers or portray himself negatively (as in options A and C), nor is he displaying a sense of satisfaction from his labor (as option D might suggest). Instead, the author is providing a raw and genuine insight into the artist's physical experience that is often unacknowledged in the discussion of artistic work.