The detective novels of Agatha Christie are often called puzzles — intricate problems whose solutions readers race to deduce. But literary critic Sayoko Tanaka argues that Christie's lasting appeal is less about logical ingenuity than about social observation: her plots turn on the small lies, hidden grudges, and quiet resentments of ordinary English life, and the puzzle-frame is really a vehicle for that scrutiny.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
- A
Detective novels are no longer popular.
- B
Christie wrote primarily about English country life.
- Ccheck_circle
Tanaka argues that the social-observation aspect of Christie's novels matters more than their puzzle structure.
- D
Christie's novels are essentially logic puzzles.
Explanation
The passage contrasts the puzzle view with Tanaka's social-observation view — B. A is the view being revised; C is partial; D is unsupported.