Compiled in the late 1500s largely through the efforts of Indigenous scribes, Cantares Mexicanos is...
Compiled in the late 1500s largely through the efforts of Indigenous scribes, Cantares Mexicanos is the most important collection of poetry in Classical Nahuatl, the principal language of the Aztec Empire. The poems portray Aztec society before the occupation of the empire by the army of Spain, and marginal notes in Cantares Mexicanos indicate that much of the collection’s content predates the initial invasion. Nonetheless, some of the poems contain inarguable references to beliefs and customs common in Spain during this era. Thus, some scholars have concluded that ______ Which choice most logically completes the text?
- A) while its content largely predates the invasion, Cantares Mexicanos also contains additions made after the invasion.
- B) although those who compiled Cantares Mexicanos were fluent in Nahuatl, they had limited knowledge of the Spanish language.
- C) before the invasion by Spain, the poets of the Aztec Empire borrowed from the literary traditions of other societies.
- D) the references to beliefs and customs in Spain should be attributed to a coincidental resemblance between the societies of Spain and the Aztec Empire.
Correct Answer: A) while its content largely predates the invasion, Cantares Mexicanos also contains additions made after the invasion.
Explanation
The choice that most logically completes the text is A) while its content largely predates the invasion, Cantares Mexicanos also contains additions made after the invasion. The text states that Cantares Mexicanos, compiled in the late 1500s by Indigenous scribes, portrays Aztec society before the occupation of the empire by Spain. It also mentions that marginal notes indicate that much of the collection's content predates the initial invasion. However, it is mentioned that some of the poems contain references to beliefs and customs common in Spain during that era. Therefore, to reconcile these facts, the most logical conclusion is that Cantares Mexicanos includes both pre-invasion content and additions made after the invasion, which would explain the references to Spanish beliefs and customs.