Re: It is now sixteen or seventeen years since I saw the Queen of France,
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23 Feb 2024, 04:15
The author expresses deep sadness and regret over the decline of the age of chivalry, which he associates with the downfall of the Queen of France. This is evident in the use of words like "revolution," "tragic," "extinguished," "gone," and "lost." However, it's not simply anger or bitterness, but a lament for a lost era and its values.
Answer Explanations:
1. The tone of this passage can best be described as __________. (Answer: B)
A. laconic: This means brief and concise, which isn't true as the language is descriptive and emotional.
B. zealous: This accurately captures the passionate admiration and strong emotion expressed by the author.
C. loving: While the author admires the Queen, the tone goes beyond simple love and into ardent devotion.
D. somber: As mentioned, while sadness is present, it's overshadowed by the passionate tone.
E. angry: While frustration exists, the primary focus is admiration, not anger.
2. According to the passage, the author's view of the Queen of France (Dauphiness) can best be described as: (Answer: C. A tragic figure who experienced a downfall)
A. A symbol of elegance and grace: This is certainly true, but it doesn't encompass the full picture of the author's view, which also includes her tragic fate.
B. A visionary leader with immense power: There is no evidence to support this; the focus is on her personal qualities, not leadership or power.
C. A tragic figure who experienced a downfall: This aligns with the passage's portrayal of her beauty and grace contrasted with her unfortunate circumstances.
D. A source of inspiration and joy for the nation: While she might have been admired, the passage emphasizes her personal suffering, not national inspiration.
E. An influential force in the age of chivalry: The focus is on the societal decline, not her direct influence on it.
3. Based on the passage, the author suggests that the decline of the age of chivalry is attributed to: (Answer: A. The rise of economic and political thinkers)
A. The rise of economic and political thinkers: This is explicitly mentioned in the passage as the successor to the age of chivalry, represented by "sophisters, economists, and calculators."
B. The lack of loyalty and honor among men: The author laments this, but doesn't present it as the sole cause of the decline.
C. The loss of Europe's former glory and prestige: This is a consequence of the decline, not its cause.
D. The disappearance of courageous and loyal defenders: While this is part of the author's lament, it's linked to the broader societal shift.
E. The transformation of society into a nation of servitude: This contradicts the author's idealization of chivalry, which wasn't pure servitude.