Question 1

Dorothy Parker is implicitly regarded as a minor American writer.

Both authors convey a sense that while Parker was a prominent figure in her time, her work has not attained the same lasting recognition as that of major American writers of her era. The extract highlights that Parker was part of a literary set that included many lesser talents, suggesting an implied judgment on her status as a writer.

A) describe in detail its enduring popularity

This option is incorrect because the extract does not emphasize the enduring popularity of Parker's work. Instead, it acknowledges her continued fascination but frames it within a context that questions the overall merit and recognition of her contributions compared to major writers.

B) argue that it has been overrated by critics

While there are elements in the extract that suggest a critique of how Parker's work has been perceived, it does not explicitly claim that it has been overrated by critics. The focus is more on her position within the literary community rather than a direct critique of critical opinion.

C) subtly suggest that her poetry is superior to her other work

This option is not supported by the extract, which does not draw comparisons between different forms of Parker's work. Instead, it emphasizes her role within a literary set and her overall standing, without making distinctions about the quality of her poetry versus her other writings.

D) implicitly regard Parker as a minor American writer

This option is correct as the extract indicates that Parker was part of a literary group of lesser talents and that major writers of the time did not belong to such coteries. This framing implies a view of Parker as a minor figure within the broader context of American literature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the extract provides a critical perspective on Dorothy Parker's place in the literary canon, suggesting that she is regarded as a minor writer compared to her contemporaries. While her work still resonates with some audiences, the context indicates that she is not considered among the major American writers of her time, making option D the most accurate choice. All other options either misinterpret the extract or do not align with the implied judgments presented by the authors.