If an author is skillful at representing the point of view and attitudes of a hobo, an nurse, a corporate CEO, and a variety of other diverse characters, the author is demonstrating
A. dramatic irony.
B. negative capability.
C. first person reporting.
D. the will to power.
Answer is "B"
How have B and D been defined for you?
To determine the correct answer to this question, let's first understand what each option means and then analyze which option best fits the situation.
A. Dramatic irony: This literary device occurs when the audience is aware of something that the characters in a story are not. It does not directly relate to the author's skill in representing different characters' points of view and attitudes.
B. Negative capability: Negative capability is a concept coined by the poet John Keats, which refers to the ability to embrace ambiguity, uncertainty, and the mysteries of the human experience without seeking immediate answers or solutions. It suggests that the author has the skill to accurately capture the perspectives and attitudes of different characters with openness and empathy, without imposing their own judgments or biases. This option seems relevant to the question.
C. First-person reporting: First-person reporting refers to narrating a story or events from the perspective of a character using "I" pronouns. It does not necessarily address the author's ability to portray diverse characters' perspectives or attitudes.
D. The will to power: The will to power is a concept proposed by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, which relates to the driving force behind human behavior and the desire for control and dominance. It does not directly relate to the author's skill in representing diverse characters' viewpoints.
Comparing the options, it becomes apparent that option B, negative capability, best aligns with the author's skill in representing various characters' points of view and attitudes without imposing their own biases. This concept is synonymous with the idea of being able to empathize with and accurately represent different perspectives.
Therefore, the correct answer is B, negative capability.