LSAT Explanation PT 38, S4, Q26: Tony: A short story is little

LSAT Question Stem

The dialogue most supports the claim that Tony and Raoul disagree about whether 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. We have a dialogue between Tony and Raoul discussing the depiction of human lives in novels and short stories.

Tony's argument:

Premise: Only novels have narrative structures that allow writers to depict human lives accurately by portraying characters whose personalities gradually develop through life experience.

Conclusion: A short story is little more than a novelist's sketch pad.

Raoul's argument:

Premise: Life consists of a series of completely disjointed vignettes, from many of which the discerning observer may catch glimpses of character.

Conclusion: The short story depicts human lives more faithfully than does the novel.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Disagree question, which means we need to find the statement that Tony and Raoul would disagree on.

a) human lives are best understood as series of completely disjointed vignettes

Tony believes that novels are better at depicting human lives accurately because they portray characters whose personalities gradually develop through life experience. Raoul, on the other hand, believes that life consists of disjointed vignettes, and short stories are better at depicting human lives. They disagree on this point, so this is the correct answer.

b) novels and short stories employ the same strategies to depict human lives

Tony would likely disagree with this statement, as he believes that novels have unique narrative structures that allow for accurate depiction of human lives. However, Raoul does not explicitly address whether novels and short stories employ the same strategies or not. Therefore, we cannot say that they disagree on this point.

c) novels usually depict gradual changes in characters' personalities

Tony would agree with this statement, as he believes that novels depict human lives accurately by portraying characters whose personalities gradually develop. However, Raoul does not mention whether he agrees or disagrees with this point, so we cannot say that they disagree on it.

d) only short stories are used as novelists' sketch pads

Tony states that a short story is little more than a novelist's sketch pad, but he does not claim that only short stories are used for this purpose. Raoul does not address this point at all. Therefore, we cannot say that they disagree on this point.

e) short stories provide glimpses of facets of character that are usually kept hidden

Raoul might agree with this statement, as he believes that short stories can depict human lives through disjointed vignettes that provide glimpses of character. However, Tony does not address this point, so we cannot say that they disagree on it.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (A) because it is the statement that Tony and Raoul disagree on. Remember to focus on the explicitly stated premises and conclusions when answering Disagree questions, and eliminate answer choices that are not addressed by both speakers.