Q23

[jardinsouslapluie5]

Why not (B)?

[Anthony.Maneiro]

Could someone please explain this question?

[brandonbodie]

As I worked this problem, I was able to eliminate C, D, and E fairly quickly.

C) Indicates nowhere the author is amused.
D) and E) The author seems to counter the Whig fallacy in the fourth paragraph, thus not showing indifference and certainly not support.

But was the author in strong disagreement or mildly skeptical?

The "Whig fallacy" in this context would mean that the Victorians' efforts were but merely an important benchmark in evolving towards the "enlightened" present with state-sponsored charities.

I had to look up the actual definition of "patronize" after the PT (I selected B initially too), but it means "to treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority." Thus, in the critics' view, the state-sponsored charities are a better solution to problems than Victorian philanthropy...even if those Victorians put in a good first stab to the ultimate solution: state-sponsored charities. However, in lines 52-53, the author points out that Victorians were aware of the DANGERS of state-managed charities, giving to private charities despite full awareness of their reputations of condescension and complacency during their era.

Thus, the author is in disagreement with the critics referenced in the third paragraph: the state-sponsored charities are NOT an enlightened solution rising from the inferior practice of private Victorian philanthropy in the attitude of the author.

[Aquamarine]

i chose B, but the answer is A and i still don't understand why A is correct.
Can someone explain me why B is wrong and A is an answer?
Thanks in advance!

[MMeissner947]

The answer is A because the author is not mild. His criticism is strong; He says "...AS THOUGH Victorian charity CAN ONLY be understood as an antecedent to the era of state sponsored charity. This assumption is TYPICAL of the whig FALLACY...INFERIOR PRELUDE TO AN ENLIGHTENED PRESENT... IT COULD ONLY BE, THE ARGUMENT GOES...THIS VERSION OF HISTORY PATRONIZES the Victorians...They were perhaps condescending, but they put their money where their mouths were, and gave their careers and lives as well"

THIS IS STRONG LANGUAGE with LOADS OF SARCASM! with these specific lines put together, can you see now why B is incorrect, and that this is not mild skepticism?

[JIEL790]

Clearly, the author disagrees with the criticisms, which is not skepticism at all. Though no strong language was used, A is more accurate than B.