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preptest 123 (june 2007), rc2, passage 1
summary
the passage provides an insightful exploration into the traditional division between poetry and fiction in the united states, highlighting the evolving perspectives that challenge this separation.
- the passage begins by establishing the conventional division between poetry and fiction in the united states, rooted in academia and broader cultural attitudes.
- it presents the traditional reasons for this division, with poetry associated with thoughts and feelings, and fiction with narratives and characters.
- the author questions the necessity of such a strict divide, pointing to a cultural suspicion of generalists as a contributing factor.
- the narrative shifts to the author's view that this division is diminishing, exemplified by the work of writer rita dove, who blends elements of both genres in her work.
- rita dove is presented as a case study, not the central argument, but as evidence of the broader trend towards the merging of poetry and fiction.
chapters
00:04
the traditional division
00:41
cultural attitudes towards genre
01:11
the evolving perspective
01:39
rita dove: a case study