LSAT Explanation PT 31, S2, Q22: On the surface, Melville's Billy Budd

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the principle underlying the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage discusses Melville's Billy Budd and presents two ways to read the novel: as a simple story with a simple theme, or as a religious allegory with richness and profundity. The argument then questions whether Melville intended an allegorical reading, and since there is no textual or historical evidence to support that, it concludes that we should be content with reading Billy Budd as a simple tragedy. The structure of the argument is as follows:

Premise: There is no textual or historical evidence that Melville intended an allegorical reading of Billy Budd.

Conclusion: We should read Billy Budd as a simple tragedy.

The "Evaluate" question for this argument would be: "Is the absence of textual or historical evidence a sufficient reason to avoid reading a novel allegorically?"

Now, let's examine the answer choices. The question type is Principle, which asks us to identify the principle that underlies the argument.

a) This answer choice suggests that we should always choose a nonallegorical reading over an allegorical one. However, the passage does not make such a general claim; it focuses specifically on Billy Budd due to the lack of evidence. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

b) This answer choice focuses on the author's stated intention as the only relevant evidence for deciding a novel's genre. However, the passage does not mention the author's stated intention, and the conclusion is based on the absence of textual or historical evidence. Additionally, the argument is about how to read the novel, not which genre to place it in. Thus, this answer choice is incorrect.

c) This answer choice suggests that we should choose the reading that is most favorable to the work. However, the passage's conclusion is based on the absence of evidence, not on which reading is more favorable. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

d) This answer choice states that without relevant evidence as to a novel's intended reading, one should avoid viewing the work allegorically. This principle aligns with the passage's conclusion, which is based on the lack of textual or historical evidence supporting an allegorical reading. This answer choice is correct.

e) This answer choice claims that the text itself is the only relevant evidence for deciding the appropriate interpretation. However, the passage also considers historical evidence, which contradicts this answer choice. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

In conclusion, the correct answer is D, as it accurately reflects the principle underlying the argument: without relevant evidence as to a novel's intended reading, one should avoid viewing the work allegorically.