LSAT 110 | Section 4 | Reading Comprehension: Q10

RC Question 10 Explanation

DISCUSSION: For this question, you should think up a one line summary of Rivier and Lesky’s views. Rivier thinks that the gods determine everything, and leave the heroes no real choice. Lesky thinks that the heroes have a choice, but that it is constrained by the gods.

They’re both opposed to Snell, who views the hero’s choice as being entirely individual.

___________

1. This answer is designed to bog you down, if you didn’t already form a clear idea of what you’re looking for. Don’t look at answer choices without thinking about what to look for, or you’ll waste time on choices like this.
   Line 38 shows that Rivier’s heroes only have one true choice. So they must recognize that one choice has consequences too horrible to consider. And Lesky’s Agamemnon clearly understands that he will kill his daughter.
2. Agamemnon recognizes Artemis’ role. And since Rivier’s heroes recognize they have only one choice, they probably also realize the Gods are constraining them.
3. CORRECT. Lesky says Agamemnon’s desires affect his choice. And he has a choice (lines 50-51). Rivier’s heroes recognize they have no real choice. (Lines 38-40). 
4. There can be no moral evaluation of Rivier’s heroes: they have no choice (Lines 38-40). Lines 50-53 suggest we should condemn Agamemnon because his cruel desire for victory made him cruelly sacrifice his daughter. 
5. Rivier doesn’t even mention ethics. Don’t choose answer choices that you can’t support. Lesky only mentions the ethics of Agamemnon, not of Artemis.