Question

An “Iconoclast” is a person who:

• A. blindly follows traditions
• B. opposes established beliefs or customs
• C. worships idols regularly
• D. studies ancient sculptures

Hint:

Think of the “-clast” root as meaning “to break” (as in osteoclast, a cell that breaks down bone).
This helps you associate “iconoclast” directly with “breaking images” or “breaking established beliefs”.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question asks for the definition of the word “Iconoclast”.
To arrive at the correct answer, we should explore both the historical etymology of the word and its modern, figurative meaning.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. The word “iconoclast” comes from the Greek words “eikon” (meaning “image” or “likeness”) and “klastes” (meaning “breaker”, from “klan”, to break).
2. Historically, an iconoclast was someone who literally destroyed religious icons, paintings, or monuments, particularly during the Byzantine Empire when there was a major dispute over the veneration of religious images.
3. Over time, the word evolved to have a broader, figurative meaning. Today, an iconoclast is defined as a person who attacks, criticizes, or rejects cherished beliefs, established institutions, or traditional customs.
4. Let us evaluate each option:
- Option (A) “blindly follows traditions” describes a “conformist” or a “traditionalist”. This is the opposite of an iconoclast, so this option is incorrect.
- Option (B) “opposes established beliefs or customs” perfectly matches the modern definition of an iconoclast. Iconoclasts are freethinkers who challenge prevailing orthodoxies. This is the correct option.
- Option (C) “worships idols regularly” describes an “idolater”. This is the complete opposite of the historical root of an iconoclast, who breaks idols rather than worshiping them. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- Option (D) “studies ancient sculptures” refers to an “archaeologist” or an “art historian”. While they deal with images or icons, they do not break or oppose them. Thus, this option is incorrect.
5. An iconoclast in modern society could be an innovative scientist, a rebellious artist, or a revolutionary thinker who challenges long-held societal norms.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct option is (B).