Question 5

Comments that Silko herself has made

The passage indicates that Paula Gunn Allen's claim about the Laguna stories is supported by comments made by Silko herself regarding the source of the stories, which she attributes to Laguna oral tradition. This acknowledgment of the oral tradition by Silko lends credence to the argument that she might have violated clan secrets.

A) Comments that Silko herself has made

This option is correct because it directly relates to Silko's acknowledgment of the Laguna oral tradition as the source of the stories in Ceremony. By admitting to this source, Silko provides evidence that supports Gunn Allen's claim of improper publication of secret clan material.

B) Silko's unusual treatment of the stories in the novel

This option is incorrect as the passage does not discuss any unusual treatment of the stories by Silko. Instead, it focuses on the origins of the stories and how they are presented in Ceremony, rather than any specific treatment that would substantiate Gunn Allen's claims.

C) The fact that print versions of the stories existed well before Silko was born

This option is also incorrect. While the existence of print versions is mentioned in the passage, it is used to argue against the idea that Silko revealed clan secrets. Therefore, it does not provide support for Gunn Allen's claim but rather counters it.

D) The fact that all but two of the stories are taken directly from ethnographic print texts

This option is incorrect because, similar to option C, it undermines Gunn Allen's claim. The passage highlights that most stories in Ceremony were sourced from ethnographic texts, suggesting that Silko was not the one revealing clan secrets but rather repatriating existing artifacts.

E) The unlikelihood that Silko could have recalled anything more than the gist of such stories when writing Ceremony

This option is incorrect as well. The passage does not emphasize the limitations of Silko's memory as a supporting point for Gunn Allen's claim. Instead, it focuses on the documented sources of the stories, which detracts from the assertion that Silko was sharing clan secrets.

Conclusion

The correct answer is supported by Silko's own comments regarding the sources of the stories in her novel, which align with Gunn Allen's concerns about the improper publication of clan material. All other options either misinterpret the passage or highlight aspects that contradict the notion of Gunn Allen's claim being substantiated. Thus, the emphasis on Silko's acknowledgment is crucial in understanding the context of the argument.