Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
Such is the matter of imaginative or artistic literature – this transcript, not of mere fact, but of fact in its infinite variety, as modified by human preference in all its infinitely varied forms. It will be good literary art not because it is brilliant or sober, or rich, or impulsive, or severe, but just in proportion as its representation of that sense, that soul fact is true, verse being only one department of such literature, and imaginative prose, it may be thought, being the special art of the modern world, that imaginative prose should be the special and opportune art of the modern world results from two important facts about the latter: first the chaotic variety and complexity of its interests, making the intellectual issue. The really master currents of the present time incalculable- a condition of mind little susceptible of the restraint proper to verse form, so that the most characteristic verse of the nineteenth century has been lawless verse, and secondly, an all pervading naturalism, a curiosity about everything whatever, as it really is involving a certain humility of attitude, cognate to what must, after all, be the less ambitious form of literature. And prose thus asserting itself as the special and privileged artistic faculty of the present day, will be however critics may try to narrow its scope, as varied in its excellence as humanity itself reflecting on the facts of its latest experience – an instrument of many stops, meditative, observant descriptive, eloquent, analytic, plaintive. Fervid.
Which of these expressions closely represent the meaning of ‘fervid’?
Correct Answer :
Portraying feelings that are too strong
Solution :
The correct option is Portraying feelings that are too strong.
Reasoning:
The word fervid is an adjective that describes something marked by intense, passionate, or vehement feelings. In the context of the passage, where prose is described as an "instrument of many stops" that can be "meditative, observant descriptive, eloquent, analytic, plaintive. Fervid", the term refers to expressing or portraying feelings that are extremely intense, passionate, or strong.
Among the given choices, "Portraying feelings that are too strong" closely captures this essence of extreme emotional intensity and passion. The other options, such as feeling nostalgic, riding strong feelings, or expressing humility of attitude, do not accurately define the intense and burning nature represented by "fervid".
Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.
Create, conduct, and manage professional online assessments with Mindyard. Perfect for teachers and institutes.
Copyright © 2026 Mindyard. All Rights Reserved.