Question

"Since power is itself a value, forms of influence which include power in their scope are usually themselves forms of power. The king's mistress, though she has only influence, not power, over the king, may have power over his subjects in the degree of that influence. Forms of influence based on power are themselves forms of power only if the scope of the influence is included within that of the power in question. The king may exercise influence over standards of morality, say, by virtue of his power position, but he does not necessarily exercise power over morality."

Which of the following is similar to the ideas expressed in the paragraph?

• A. A king can influence what dramas are enacted by artists.
• B. A king can influence who acts in dramas in his kingdom.
• C. A king can indicate the appropriateness of dramas enacted.
• D. A king can influence the prices charged from drama groups by actors.

Hint:

Look for the option that describes influence over an abstract standard of judgement, like the passage's example of morality, rather than direct control over a concrete decision.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The passage's key illustration is the king's influence over standards of morality: he can shape the general standard people hold themselves to, but that shaping does not give him direct power over the concrete matter of morality itself. We need the option that follows this exact pattern, influence over a standard or value, not direct control over a concrete outcome.

Step 2: Key Approach:
Sort the options into those describing direct, concrete control (a specific decision or transaction) versus those describing influence over an abstract standard of judgement, then match to the morality example.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
"A king can influence what dramas are enacted" describes direct control over a concrete choice, which play gets staged, so it is closer to actual power over a specific outcome, not the abstract, standard-level influence the passage describes.
"A king can influence who acts in dramas" is again a concrete casting decision, a direct exercise of control, not influence over a general standard.
"A king can influence the prices charged from drama groups" is a concrete commercial outcome, direct control over a transaction, again not an abstract standard.
"A king can indicate the appropriateness of dramas enacted" is different in kind: judging what is "appropriate" is judging against a standard or value, exactly like judging what is moral. The king shaping the standard of appropriateness, without necessarily controlling which specific plays get staged, mirrors his influence over the standard of morality without power over morality itself.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The appropriateness example is the one built on influence over a standard, matching the passage's morality illustration. \[ \boxed{\text{A king can indicate the appropriateness of dramas enacted.}} \]