Question

The article “In these days of scrolling and outrage, have we lost our ability to discuss art?” by Sam Byers addresses the public’s response to Maggi Hambling’s sculpture for early feminist Mary Wollstonecraft, which is a naked “everywoman” on top of a hilly column of silver. The online responses were mostly critical. How does the connotation for the word fertile contribute to the author’s point of view? (1 point) Responses The negative connotation supports the author’s opinion that the public should not respond to artwork in an online forum because it breeds conflict. The negative connotation supports the author’s opinion that the public should not respond to artwork in an online forum because it breeds conflict. The positive connotation contributes to the author’s point of view that we should embrace the abundant responses to art. The positive connotation contributes to the author’s point of view that we should embrace the abundant responses to art. The positive connotation reinforces the author’s view that the sculpture represents Mary Wollstonecraft better than any other depiction of the early feminist. The positive connotation reinforces the author’s view that the sculpture represents Mary Wollstonecraft better than any other depiction of the early feminist. The negative connotation highlights the author’s view that the online response should be negative in nature.

Answer 1

The correct response is: The negative connotation supports the author’s opinion that the public should not respond to artwork in an online forum because it breeds conflict.

In the context of the article, the word "fertile" likely has negative connotations associated with the online outrage and often unconstructive criticism that can arise in discussions surrounding art. By emphasizing this negative connotation, the author underscores the idea that such responses may hinder meaningful dialogue and appreciation of art rather than foster it.