What is the general rule for alphabetizing surnames with articles and prepositions?

The correct understanding of how to alphabetize surnames in the context of articles and prepositions involves recognizing that naming conventions can vary significantly depending on cultural practices as well as the commonality of the prefix usage.

When alphabetizing surnames, one must start by examining the components of the surname. Articles (like “the,” “a,” or “an”) and prepositions (such as “de,” “van,” or “von”) are generally ignored in some instances, particularly if they are not considered an integral part of the surname.

The rule that states you should alphabetize letter by letter (as the first option mentions) is useful but insufficient on its own, as it doesn't fully account for the nuance of prefix treatments. It is also important to consider whether a prefix is commonly accepted as part of a surname or more akin to a middle name, as treating it as part of the middle name would lead to a different order when performing the alphabetization.

Therefore, the comprehensive interpretation that involves both letter-by-letter treatment and consideration of common practice regarding prefixes leads to the conclusion that both mentioned approaches (considering them as part of the surname or middle name as relevant) are applicable, thereby validating the selected answer.