GRE Reading Comprehension
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Source: CHP
In the 1750's, when salons were firmly established in France, some English women, who called themselves ―Bluestocking,‖ followed the example of the salonnieres (French salon hostesses) and formed their own salons. Most Bluestockings did not wish to mirror the salonnieres; they simply desired to adapt a proven formula to their own purpose—the elevation of women's status through moral and intellectual training. Differences in social orientation and background can account perhaps for differences in the nature of French and English salons. The French salon incorporated aristocratic attitudes that exalted courtly pleasure and emphasized artistic accomplish- ments. The English Bluestockings, originating from a more modest background, emphasized learning and work over pleasure. Accustomed to the regimented life of court circles, salonnieres tended toward formality in their salons. The English women, though somewhat puritanical, were more casual in their approach.
The author refers to differences in social background between salonnieres and Bluestockings in order to do which of the following?
- A Criticize the view that their choices of activities were significantly influenced by male salon members
- B Discuss the reasons why literary salons in France were established before those in England
- C Question the importance of the Bluestockings in shaping public attitudes toward educated women
- D Refute the argument that the French salons had little influence over the direction the English salons took
- E Explain the differences in atmosphere and style in their salons