Q9

[layamaheshwari]

I get that the broomsticks and muslin drapery are obviously "amateurish" (correct answer choice A), but by that point the author seemed to be fawning over Julia Margaret Cameron so much that it seemed like (C) -- testimonies to her ingenuity -- was the right answer.

Can someone please explain their thought process with this problem? Thank you!

[ManhattanPrepLSAT1]

Happy to layamaheshwari!

The form of this question is not insignificant. Typically, a question like this asks, "the author mentions _____ (line 42) primarily in order to ________?" but in this question it asks for "what the props are mentioned as?"

So, rather than "why for", we're asked "what as." I think that should tip the scale if you're debating between (A) and (C). Though, I hear what you say about how (C) is tempting. A good, broad reading of the passage would make both tempting.

Incorrect Answers
(B) is out of scope, the transformative power of theater is broader than the discussion here.
(C) challenges the passage which states that the props are insignificant (line 50).
(D) is out of scope.
(E) challenges the passage which states that one recalls the work with shameless delight (line 57).