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小説批評、ユニバーサルデザイン、そして独裁政治:三位一体の考察」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The seemingly disparate fields of literary criticism, universal design, and totalitarian regimes might at first glance appear unrelated. However, a closer examination reveals intriguing parallels in their underlying principles and the ways they shape human experience. Literary criticism, in its rigorous analysis of texts, seeks to uncover underlying structures and power dynamics. It questions the author's intentions, the reader's reception, and the socio-political context in which a work is produced and consumed. Similarly, universal design, with its focus on accessibility and inclusivity, aims to create environments and products usable by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. It challenges the dominant paradigm of design that caters only to the majority, thereby questioning inherent power structures and advocating for equitable access for all. Totalitarian regimes, on the other hand, represent a stark contrast. They suppress individual expression, enforce conformity, and control the flow of information. Instead of embracing diversity and accessibility, they impose a singular, often oppressive vision of reality. While seemingly antithetical to both literary criticism and universal design, totalitarian regimes inadvertently highlight the importance of these fields. The suppression of diverse voices, the control of narratives, and the limitation of access to information all reveal the crucial role of critical analysis and inclusive design in fostering a free and just society. Consider, for instance, the manipulation of language in propaganda. This directly relates to the critical tools used in literary analysis to deconstruct manipulative rhetoric. The inability of citizens to access information or express themselves freely mirrors the design failures that exclude individuals from participating fully in society. Both instances underscore the necessity of open dialogue, critical thinking, and equitable access—values central to both literary criticism and universal design. Therefore, understanding the relationship between literary criticism, universal design, and totalitarian regimes offers a potent lens through which to examine power structures, the importance of inclusivity, and the crucial role of critical thinking in shaping a truly democratic and accessible society.

1. Which of the following best summarizes the author's main argument?

2. The passage uses the example of propaganda to illustrate:

3. According to the passage, what is a key similarity between literary criticism and universal design?

4. The author's tone in this passage can best be described as: