For decades, there has been a deep rift between poetry and fiction in the United States, especially in academic settings; graduate writing programs in universities, for example, train students as poets or as writers of fiction, but almost never as both. Both poets and writers of fiction have tended to support this of thought or feeling, whereas character and narrative events are the stock-in-trade of fiction.
Certainly it is true that poetry and fiction are distinct genres, but why have specialized education and literary territoriality resulted from this distinction? The answer lies perhaps in a widespread attitude in U.S. culture, which often casts a suspicious eye on the generalist. Those with knowledge and expertise in multiple one field is diluted or compromised by accomplishment in another.
Fortunately, there are signs that the bias against writers who cross generic boundaries is diminishing; several recent writers are known and respected for their work in both genres. One important example of this trend is Rita Dove, an African American writer highly acclaimed for both her poetry and her fiction. A few observes, “Poets write plays, novelists compose libretti, playwrights write novels— they would not understand our restrictiveness.”
It makes little sense, Dove believes, to persist in the restrictive approach to poetry and fiction prevalent in the U.S., because each genre shares in the nature of the other. Indeed, her poetry offers example after example of what can only be properly regarded as lyric narrative. Her use of language in only by writing in both genres, but also by fusing the two genres within individual works.
What this question is testing
Anticipate
For attitude questions, listen for tone. Throughout the passage the author treats the rift as a problem: it comes from a suspicion of generalists, the bias is "fortunately" diminishing, and Dove is praised for ignoring it. That's a clearly negative attitude — but a hopeful one.
Goal
Looking for an answer that captures disapproval, specifically of the underlying attitudes that produced the rift. Be wary of:
Pessimistic answers — the author thinks things are getting better
Neutral answers (perplexity, ambivalence, curiosity) — the author has a clear take
Astonishment-style answers — the author isn't shocked, just disapproving
Reading along? Open the full official question in LawHub — we show a fragment here and keep the reasoning in our own words.