Ever a demanding reader of the fiction

Ever a demanding reader of the fiction of others, the novelist Chase was likewise often the object of _________ analyses by his contemporaries. exacting, copious, respectful, acerbic, scathing, meticulous

1 Explanation

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Chris Lele, Magoosh Tutor

Oct 5, 2012 • Comment

Hi, what does mean "demanding readers"? Also, why does not "acerbic" work here?

May 3, 2017 • Reply

Adam

Hi Weiping,

What "demanding reader" means here is that Chase is a critical reader. When he reads, he reads with a very analytical eye. Therefore his analyses are very meticulous.

The word "demanding" does not imply that Chase was highly critical in a *negative* way of other people's writing. So "acerbic" and "scathing" are too negative here.

But "meticulous" and "exacting" fit well. They mirror the way in which Chase critiques other writers. Chase is a demanding reader; he exerts much effort and skill.

May 3, 2017 • Reply

Thank you Adam. It is very helpful.

May 4, 2017 • Reply