Question

Read the excerpt from a literary blog.

While many scholars make powerful and convincing arguments for the literary genius of Zora Neale Hurston, Edgar Allan Poe, or John Steinbeck, Willa Cather is arguably the best novelist ever known to American readers. Her most famous novel, My Ántonia, is a work of pure genius. Written in 1918, the autobiographical masterpiece tells the story of Ántonia Shimerda, the daughter of immigrant parents. Told through the eyes of her childhood friend, Jim Burden, Ántonia’s story chronicles the hardships of living as a pioneer in the prairielands of the American Midwest. Surprisingly, Cather was able to remember her experience of moving from Virginia to Nebraska as a nine-year-old child and use her pain and happiness from those times to create the most beautiful novel ever written. No one has ever been able to capture life on the Western plains as Cather did. At the time of its publication, Cather’s unmistakable talent was lauded throughout the world. Cather rightfully gained her place among the esteemed writers of the modern literary movement.

Which element of bias is used in the excerpt?

a. one-sided diction
b. writer stands to benefit
c. omission of accepted viewpoints
d. overreliance on emotional appeals

Answer 1

The element of bias used in the excerpt is (c) omission of accepted viewpoints. The excerpt focuses solely on praising Willa Cather as arguably the best novelist ever known to American readers, without acknowledging other accepted viewpoints or considering alternative perspectives. This omission suggests a biased perspective that ignores the arguments and accomplishments of other acclaimed authors like Zora Neale Hurston, Edgar Allan Poe, and John Steinbeck.

Answer 2

b. writer stands to benefit.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt presents a biased opinion in favor of Willa Cather as the best novelist ever known to American readers and her most famous novel, My Ántonia, as a work of pure genius.

The writer's opinion suggests a personal benefit to Cather's reputation, perhaps as a fan or supporter of her work.

Hope this helps!