Question

The following question is based on your reading of “Life is a Dream.” Read the following passage, then answer the questions that follow. "And in such alienation grown so old / As leaves no other hope of heir to Poland / Than his two sisters' children; you, fair cousin, / And me; for whom the Commons of the realm / Divide themselves into two several factions; / Whether for you, the elder sister's child; / Or me, born of the younger, but, they say, / My natural prerogative of man / Outweighing your priority of birth." What important cultural reference is Astolfo making in this speech? a. Men had a stronger claim to titles and wealth during the Renaissance. c. Only men could act on the stage. b. There was a civil war in Poland. d. Men did not like women in the Renaissance. Please select the best answer from the choices provided A B C D

Answer 1

Answer:

(A) Men had a stronger claim to titles and wealth during the Renaissance

Explanation:

The excerpt above is taken from a Spanish play, entitled “Life is a Dream”, written by Pedro Calderón de la Barca. The play tells the story of a prince (Segismundo) who was imprisoned by his own father (King Basilio) due to a prophecy, predicting that the prince would cause havoc to Poland, the country the king led.

The dialogue above is said by Astolfo, the Duke of Muscovy, to his cousin (one who he is going to marry), Estrella, describing how because Astolfo is a man, he is the one expected to inherit the throne, even though he is the son of the younger sister of the king, while Estrella is the daughter of the older sister.