Understanding the Question on Hutcheson Macaulay Posnett

The question asks us to identify the statement that is NOT true regarding Hutcheson Macaulay Posnett. We need to evaluate each provided statement based on known biographical and academic facts about him.

Analyzing Statements about Hutcheson Macaulay Posnett

Statement 1: Interest in Literature and Social Life

This statement suggests Hutcheson Macaulay Posnett had a strong interest in how literature connects with social life. Posnett is known for his work in comparative literature and literary theory, often emphasizing the relationship between literary works and their social, cultural, and historical contexts. His academic approach explored literature as a product of society. Therefore, this statement is considered TRUE.

Statement 2: Training as a Barrister in Dublin

This statement claims Posnett was trained as a barrister in his native Dublin. Biographical records confirm that Hutcheson Macaulay Posnett was born in Dublin, Ireland, and indeed studied law. He was called to the bar, meaning he was trained and qualified as a barrister. Therefore, this statement is considered TRUE.

Statement 3: Book Publication Date

This statement asserts that Posnett's book, Comparative Literature, was published in 1886. This specific work, exploring the principles of comparative literature and its relation to sociology and history, was indeed published in 1886. Therefore, this statement is considered TRUE.

Statement 4: Professorship at the University of Oxford

This statement posits that Posnett accepted a post as a professor of Classics and German at the University of Oxford. While Posnett held significant academic positions, records indicate he accepted the Chair of Classics and German at the University of Dublin (Trinity College Dublin), not the University of Oxford. This distinction is crucial. Therefore, this statement is NOT TRUE.

Conclusion: Identifying the False Statement

Based on the analysis of each statement:

• Statement 1 is TRUE.
• Statement 2 is TRUE.
• Statement 3 is TRUE.
• Statement 4 is FALSE.

The question asks for the statement that is NOT true. Therefore, the statement about accepting a professorship at the University of Oxford is the incorrect one.