Final answer:
The author supports the main idea by using evidence from the Grimms' work and their cultural significance to illustrate the central point. Elements such as claims, story titles, examples for children, and specific living conditions are used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Illustrations and evidence are key literary strategies to help the reader determine the central idea.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how the author supports the main idea in the paragraph from "How the Grimm Brothers Saved the Fairy Tale," we must examine how they present information. When an author supports their main points with strong evidence from the story, they are substantiating their argument and making it more convincing. In this instance, the author may use a variety of elements such as claims, titles of stories, examples for children, and specific living conditions. Each of these can serve to illustrate or exemplify the central idea presented.
The author uses the Grimm Brothers, adept in philology and collectors of German folktales, as iconic examples to support the subject of nationality and tradition preservation. The Grimm Brothers' collection and preservation efforts are highlighted as a means to capture the German spirit or essence, clearly linking their work with Romantic nationalism. Moreover, the way in which these fairy tales were integrated into global culture through Walt Disney adaptations further underscores their impact and relevance.
In terms of aiding the reader in discerning the central idea, the author could use an illustration of the topic sentence's point or evidence demonstrating the topic sentence's point, both of which are effective literary strategies. To support the main idea, the author might discuss how the setting of fairy tales relates to larger themes or highlight how the Grimms' work demonstrated an effort to preserve a cultural identity amidst modernization.