Question Details

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
Such is the matter of imaginative or artistic literature – this transcript, not of mere fact, but of fact in its infinite variety, as modified by human preference in all its infinitely varied forms. It will be good literary art not because it is brilliant or sober, or rich, or impulsive, or severe, but just in proportion as its representation of that sense, that soul fact is true, verse being only one department of such literature, and imaginative prose, it may be thought, being the special art of the modern world, that imaginative prose should be the special and opportune art of the modern world results from two important facts about the latter: first the chaotic variety and complexity of its interests, making the intellectual issue. The really master currents of the present time incalculable- a condition of mind little susceptible of the restraint proper to verse form, so that the most characteristic verse of the nineteenth century has been lawless verse, and secondly, an all pervading naturalism, a curiosity about everything whatever, as it really is involving a certain humility of attitude, cognate to what must, after all, be the less ambitious form of literature. And prose thus asserting itself as the special and privileged artistic faculty of the present day, will be however critics may try to narrow its scope, as varied in its excellence as humanity itself reflecting on the facts of its latest experience – an instrument of many stops, meditative, observant descriptive, eloquent, analytic, plaintive. Fervid.


Which of these expressions closely represent the meaning of ‘fervid’?

Options

A

Feeling nostalgic

B

Portraying feelings that are too strong

C

Riding strong feelings

D

Expressing humility of attitude

Correct Answer :

Portraying feelings that are too strong

Solution :

The correct option is: Portraying feelings that are too strong


Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Contextual Analysis: In the provided passage, the author describes prose as an artistic faculty that is highly varied, reflecting the diverse facts of modern human experience. The author characterizes prose as "an instrument of many stops, meditative, observant descriptive, eloquent, analytic, plaintive. Fervid." Here, "fervid" is used alongside other adjectives describing emotional and expressive qualities of writing.

2. Defining 'Fervid': The word "fervid" originates from the Latin word fervidus (meaning glowing or burning). In literary and general English usage, it describes something that is characterized by intense, passionate, or extremely strong feelings and enthusiasm.

3. Evaluating the Options:
- "Feeling nostalgic" refers to a sentimental longing for the past, which does not capture the intensity of passion.
- "Portraying feelings that are too strong" aligns closely with the core definition of fervid, which involves expressing or portraying intense, passionate, and extremely strong emotions.
- "Riding strong feelings" is a metaphorical and imprecise phrasing that does not standardly define the adjective.
- "Expressing humility of attitude" is contrasted in the text as being cognate to "naturalism" rather than "fervid."

Therefore, "Portraying feelings that are too strong" is the expression that most closely represents the meaning of 'fervid' in this context.

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