Question

which of these sentences best summarizes the passage below (paragraph 3)? its not surprising that the...list most often mentioned in this context is charles dickens. dickens, like shakespeare, was both a writer of genius and a popular entertainer, proving that seriousness of purpose didnt preclude accessibility. his novels appeared in serial installments, like episodes of tv shows, and teemed with minor characters, the literary equivalent of character actors. “the wire,” in particular, has been likened to a dickens novel, for its attention to the details of poverty and class in america. bill moyers was echoing what has become conventional wisdom when he said that what dickens was “to the smoky mean streets of victorian london, david simon is to america today.” a. dickens and shakespeare are similar figures. b. dickens and shakespeare argued that complex ideas should be expressed through traditional art forms only. c. “the wire” is an adaptation of a charles dickens novel, with its themes of poverty and social reform. d. charles dickenss writing is similar to television because he wrote accessible novels in serial installments, like television episodes.

Explanation:

The passage emphasizes Dickens' dual - nature as a serious writer and a popular entertainer, noting his serial - published novels similar to TV episodes. Option D captures this by highlighting the similarity between Dickens' serial novels and television. Option A only mentions the similarity between Dickens and Shakespeare without the key aspect of Dickens' writing style. Option B is about complex ideas in traditional art forms which is not the main point. Option C is incorrect as it wrongly claims "The Wire" is an adaptation of a Dickens novel.

Answer:

D. Charles Dickens's writing is similar to television because he wrote accessible novels in serial installments, like television episodes.