Question

Based on the underlined words, what is the author’s perspective in this passage?

Sixteenth-century women isolated themselves to avoid the ridicule of others.
In the 16th century, brilliant women faced isolation from their communities.
It is necessary to isolate oneself from society when writing great literary works.
Women in the 16th century were shunned for choosing to live in isolation.

Answer 1

"In the 16th century, brilliant women faced isolation from their communities."

The underlined wording emphasizes that these women were isolated by their communities (they "faced isolation"), not that isolation was a necessary strategy or wholly voluntary, so option 2 best captures the author's perspective.