Question

what compelled the grimms to concentrate on old german epics, tales, and literature was a belief that the most natural and pure forms of culture-those which held the community together-were linguistic and based in history. according to them, modern literature, even though it might be remarkably rich, was artificial and thus could not express the genuine essence of volk culture that emanated naturally from experience and bound the people together. therefore, all their efforts went toward uncovering stories from the past.
-\how the grimm brothers saved the fairy tale,\
jack zipes

what is the authors purpose for writing the essay \how the grimm brothers saved the fairy tale\?

to entertain children with details from the grimms tales
to persuade adults to read and enjoy fairy tales more often
to inform scholars of the ways modern literature can be artificial
to inform readers of the reasons why the grimms collected their tales

Explanation:

Analyze the provided text excerpt

Using the Grimms Fairy Tales Evolution knowledge point, the passage explains that the Brothers Grimm focused on old German epics, tales, and literature because they believed these historical, linguistic forms represented the "most natural and pure forms of culture" that bound a community together. They viewed modern literature as "artificial" and unable to express the genuine essence of "Volk culture."

Determine the author's purpose

Using the Authors Purpose Analysis knowledge point, we evaluate why Jack Zipes wrote this specific section of the essay. The text directly explains the motivations and beliefs that "compelled the Grimms to concentrate on old German epics, tales, and literature." Therefore, the purpose of this writing is to explain or inform readers about the underlying reasons behind the Grimms' collection efforts.

Evaluate the multiple-choice options

• Option 1: "to entertain children..." is incorrect because the excerpt is an academic analysis of cultural history, not a children's story.
• Option 2: "to persuade adults..." is incorrect because the passage is informative rather than persuasive.
• Option 3: "to inform scholars of the ways modern literature can be artificial" is too narrow; the mention of modern literature being artificial is only used as a contrast to explain the Grimms' motivations.
• Option 4: "to inform readers of the reasons why the Grimms collected their tales" directly matches the focus on what "compelled" them to uncover stories from the past.

Answer:

• to entertain children with details from the Grimms' tales
• to persuade adults to read and enjoy fairy tales more often
• to inform scholars of the ways modern literature can be artificial
• to inform readers of the reasons why the Grimms collected their tales (Correct answer)