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 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 negative connotation highlights the author’s view that the online response should be negative in nature. The negative connotation highlights the author’s view that the online response should be negative in nature. 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 supports the author’s opinion that the public should not respond to artwork in an online forum because it breeds conflict.

Answer 1

The correct response in this context is: The positive connotation contributes to the author’s point of view that we should embrace the abundant responses to art.

The word "fertile" generally has a positive connotation, suggesting abundance, creativity, and richness. By using this connotation, the author likely emphasizes that a wide range of responses to art—regardless of whether they are critical or not—can foster a deeper discussion and engagement with the artwork and its themes, such as those represented by Maggi Hambling's sculpture of Mary Wollstonecraft.