Unlike religion and science, poetry does not posit or expect any belief in absolute truths.
Those forces or individuals who claim to have absolute truths in their grasp tend to turn dictatorial and tyrannical. Truth usually does not admit any contradictions or imperfections. It is unitarian. It is, therefore, not of much use for poetry. Poetry abides by the plurality of life and existence. Perhaps poetry follows reality which is plural, anachronistic, full of contradictions. Against the tyranny of truth, poetry remains a partisan of democratic reality. Against the arrogance of power, wealth and hierarchy, poetry proposes both humility and defiance.
Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the above passage?
a) It is the poetry, not science or religion, which recognizes and accepts imperfections in humans.
b) Truth is revealed through science or religion and poetry is anathema to truth.
c) Poetry is romantic, imaginary and is about feeling whereas science and religion are about truth.
d) In a world of violence, tyranny and bigotry, poetry is a form of dynamic resistance.
Correct answer: a) It is the poetry, not science or religion, which recognizes and accepts imperfections in humans.
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT Paper
Explanation:
The correct answer is: a) It is the poetry, not science or religion, which recognizes and accepts imperfections in humans.
This option best reflects the main message of the passage. The text emphasizes that poetry, unlike religion and science, embraces the contradictions, imperfections, and plurality of human existence. It presents poetry as uniquely positioned to accept and represent the complex, imperfect nature of reality and human experience, in contrast to the more absolutist approaches attributed to religion and science in the passage.