单选题 The author believes that a study of our dime novels ______.

A、 is a waste of time
B、 would be sufficient in itself to determine the essential characteristics of the American tradition
C、 would be a valuable contribution in determining the essential characteristics of the American tradition
D、 would be amusing but unimportant

【正确答案】 C

【答案解析】根据第二段第一句．．．．American tradition，it can contribute materially to that end，可知选项C与原文意思一致。