CR Question

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>(excerpt from long passage)
I think we can say that for the Navajo the sandpainting is not the intended product of the creative (55) process in which it is constructed. The product is a healthy human being or the re-creation of a well-ordered world. The sandpainting is but an instrument for the creative act, and perhaps it the wisdom of the Navajo that it be destroyed in use so
(60) that the obvious aesthetic value of the instrument does not supplant the human and cosmic concern. The confinement of our attention to the reproduction of sandpaintings is somewhat analogous to hanging paint-covered artists’ palettes on the wall (65) to admire, not acknowledging that these pigmentcovered boards are not paintings but the means to create them. There is a certain aesthetic value in artists’ palettes, I suppose, but surely most would think of this action as foolishly missing the point.</p>

<p>The phrase “obvious aesthetic value” (line 60) suggests that
A. despite an attempt to separate sandpaintings from the realm of art, the author recognizes their artistic qualities
B. imposing artistic rules on sandpaintings diminishes their symbolic value
C. the Navajo believe the sandpaintings’ artistic qualities to be as important as their function
D. the author discourages artistic elitism, yet acknowledges the esteemed reputation that sandpainters enjoy within the Navajo community
E. aesthetic value should be associated with objects of natural beauty as well as with things created by humans</p>

<p>Can you give me the answer, the explanation, and advice to get this “hard” question right next time?</p>

2

<p>Correct Answer: A</p>

<p>The author states that

</p>

<p>The Navajo feel that the process and the “creative act” of creating a sandpainting is more important than the aesthetic values of the sandpainting itself.</p>

<p>However, those unfamiliar with the rite of sandpainting would see an “obvious aesthetic value,” and the author recognizes that. Despite his argument that it is foolish and missing the point, he recognizes the artistic qualities.</p>

3

<p>Ok, but don’t you think it’s a bit “extreme” to say that the author wants to separate sandpaintings from the realm of art. He says it’s a tool, but a tool in art, just like the artist’s pallet. He certainly didn’t sound like he’s separating them from the realm of art; it just didn’t seem that it’d be something supported in the passage.</p>

4

<p>In this case, separating doesn’t mean excluding; I think the author wants to distinguish between the act of creating the paintings with the painting itself, just as he points out a difference between a palette with a work of art. He doesn’t want us to view sandpaintings for their aesthetic value, just as it would be foolish to admire paint chips and color palettes.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>He also does not want the artistic value

</p>