Question

question 18 of 20
read the following passage from an analysis essays body:
the commonality between nathaniel hawthornes the scarlet letter and herman melvilles moby - dick is the sentimentality of the language. hawthorne expresses constant sentimentality when describing the trials of hester prynne. meanwhile, melvilles description of captain ahab is similarly full of sentimentality.
what is the primary weakness of this passage?
a. the topic is inappropriate for an analysis.
b. the passage fails to make a debatable claim.
c. the claim is not supported with evidence.
d. the central argument is implausible.

Explanation:

The passage claims that both works share sentimentality. But it only states that Hawthorne describes Hester Prynne's trials with sentimentality and Melville's description of Captain Ahab is sentimental. There are no specific quotes, examples of word - choice, or detailed analysis (evidence) from the texts to back up the claim of sentimentality. For example, it doesn't show how exactly Hawthorne's language for Hester's trials is sentimental (e.g., using adjectives like "woeful" and "agonized" with an emotional tone). Similarly, for Melville, there's no mention of specific phrases that make Ahab's description sentimental.

Answer:

C. The claim is not supported with evidence.