Question

In this speech, Roosevelt wants journalists to write honestly, but not focus so much on uncovering corruption that they are unable to see anything else. Which of the following lines best supports the main idea of the speech?

A) "In Pilgrim's Progress the Man with the Muck-rake is set forth as the example of him whose vision is fixed on carnal instead of on spiritual things."
B) "Yet he also typifies the man who in this life consistently refuses to see aught that is lofty, and fixes his eyes with solemn intentness only on that which is vile and debasing."
C) "...who never thinks or speaks or writes, save of his feats with the muck-rake, speedily becomes, not a help to society, not an incitement to good, but one of the most potent forces for evil."
D) "There should be relentless exposure of and attack upon every evil man, whether politician or business man, every evil practice, whether in politics, in business, or in social life."

Answer 1

The line from Roosevelt’s speech suggesting journalists should maintain balance in their reporting is option C, which states that those fixated only on the negative can become more harmful than helpful.

Step-by-step explanation:

In President Theodore Roosevelt's speech addressing muckrakers, the line that best supports the main idea that journalists should write honestly without solely focusing on corruption is option C: "...who never thinks or speaks or writes, save of his feats with the muck-rake, speedily becomes, not a help to society, not an incitement to good, but one of the most potent forces for evil." This line encapsulates Roosevelt's view that while exposing corruption is necessary, an obsession with only the negative aspects can turn one into a negative force rather than a champion of progress.

Answer 2

A). 'In Pilgrim's Progress the Man with the Muck-rake is set forth as the example of him whose vision is fixed on carnal instead of on spiritual things.'

Step-by-step explanation:

As per the question, option A displays the lines which most aptly reveal the key idea of President Roosevelt's speech. The central idea which surrounds the entire speech is that 'Journalists' vision has been fixed on vile and debasing carnal things instead of looking at the spiritual or aught that is lofty' which eventually makes them 'potent forces for evil' as they are distrustfully unable to 'differentiate between good and bad'. Roosevelt aims to warn the journalists' about the evil impacts and the danger of 'choosing bad over the good' as it 'chokes the emotions of people of good character before fruition'. He hints to disclose the corruption that leads these journalists' for 'undermining the character of a good patriot or good American' which scoffs their spirit badly. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.