Question #N1056

In her essay "The Uses of Enchantment," Bruno Bettelheim argues that fairy tales help children to develop emotionally and intellectually. Bettelheim emphasizes that fairy tales are “not just stories, but representations of the unconscious.” He writes that “a fairy tale is not an allegory, not a simple story designed to teach a moral lesson. It is a story of the unconscious, and its meaning is always hidden from conscious apprehension.” Bettelheim goes on to explain that fairy tales are “not intended to be realistic, and their meaning is always hidden from conscious apprehension.” However, he maintains that fairy tales are “essential to children’s development.” How does the final sentence connect to the previous sentence?

The final sentence of the passage is an example of a
A. restatement of the previous sentence, emphasizing the value of fairy tales for children.
B. counterargument to the previous sentence, suggesting that fairy tales can be understood by children.
C. transition to a new idea, introducing the concept of the unconscious.
D. clarification of the previous sentence, defining the term “essential.”

Correct Answer is: A

The final sentence reiterates the main point made in the previous sentence, which is that fairy tales are essential to children’s development, emphasizing the importance of the previous sentence’s idea that fairy tales are meaningful for children.