Question

Read the excerpt from Utopia.

If these metals were laid up in any tower in the kingdom it would raise a jealousy of the Prince and Senate, and give birth to that foolish mistrust into which the people are apt to fall—a jealousy of their intending to sacrifice the interest of the public to their own private advantage. If they should work it into vessels, or any sort of plate, they fear that the people might grow too fond of it, and so be unwilling to let the plate be run down, if a war made it necessary, to employ it in paying their soldiers. To prevent all these inconveniences they have fallen upon an expedient which, as it agrees with their other policy, so is it very different from ours, and will scarce gain belief among us who value gold so much, and lay it up so carefully. They eat and drink out of vessels of earth or glass, which make an agreeable appearance, though formed of brittle materials; while they make their chamber-pots and close-stools of gold and silver, and that not only in their public halls but in their private houses. Of the same metals they likewise make chains and fetters for their slaves, to some of which, as a badge of infamy, they hang an earring of gold, and make others wear a chain or a coronet of the same metal . . .What is the central idea of this excerpt?

A:Utopians use gold and silver chamber pots.
B:Enslaved people wear chains of gold and silver.
C:It is not an honor to wear gold jewelry.
D:Gold and silver are not valued in Utopia.

Answer 1

Question: What is the central idea of this excerpt?

Options:

• A:Utopians use gold and silver chamber pots.
• B:Enslaved people wear chains of gold and silver.
• C:It is not an honor to wear gold jewelry.
• D:Gold and silver are not valued in Utopia.

Answer: The correct answer is option: D) Gold and silver are not valued in Utopia.

Explanation: In the book of ''Utopia'', The author tries to suggest changes that can improve the European society. He presents Utopia as an example. In this passage, he expresses that in Utopia, gold is not valued like in other places and he even mentions how slaves wear chains and earrings made of gold.

Answer 2

The answer is: D: Gold and silver are not valued in Utopia.

As stated in Thomas More's "Utopia," gold and silver are not regarded as something of importance or worth. The narrator suggests that such materials would create enviousness among the Prince, the Senate and the public. In that matter, he reflects that people could become too delighted by them.