The the question asks for the difference between novels and other literature -- presumably nonfiction.
With that in mind, novels weren't unique in imitating real life. I think there's a better answer.
A. Novels present fantasy as reality.
B. The authors were new and unknown
C. Novels presented common things in new ways.
D. Novel were unique in trying to imitate real life.
(By the way this question if from the book Call of the Wild by Jack London)
Also I think the answer is D
With that in mind, novels weren't unique in imitating real life. I think there's a better answer.
To confirm the correct answer, let's analyze the given answer choices:
A. Novels present fantasy as reality - This answer choice suggests that novels depict fantasy as reality, which is the opposite of the mimetic nature of novels. Thus, it can be eliminated.
B. The authors were new and unknown - This answer choice does not directly address the difference between novels and most of the literature of the 1800s in terms of their mimetic quality. Therefore, it is unlikely to be the correct answer.
C. Novels presented common things in new ways - This answer choice partly reflects the mimetic quality of novels as it suggests that novels presented common things, which implies reality. However, it does not directly state that novels aimed to imitate real life.
D. Novels were unique in trying to imitate real life - This answer choice explicitly states that novels were distinct in their attempt to imitate real life, which aligns with the meaning of the term "mimetic."
Based on the explanation and analysis, it can be concluded that the correct answer is D - Novels were unique in trying to imitate real life.