Central Ideas and Context: Utopia — Quiz

Question 3 • Senior English

Which line from Utopia is an example of an anecdote, a brief story or account of an event used to make a larger point?

Answer

The folly of men has enhanced the value of gold and silver because of their scarcity; whereas, on the contrary, it is their opinion that Nature, as an indulgent parent, has freely given us all the best things in great abundance . . .

It is certain that all things appear incredible to us in proportion as they differ from known customs; but one who can judge aright will not wonder to find that, since their constitution differs so much from ours, their value of gold and silver should be measured by a very different standard . . .

I never saw a clearer instance of the opposite impressions that different customs make on people than I observed in the ambassadors of the Anemolians, who came to Amaurot when I was there.

But they much more admire and detest the folly of those who, when they see a rich man, though they neither owe him anything, nor are in any sort dependent on his bounty . . .

Explanation

An anecdote is a brief account of a particular event that helps make a broader point. Choice C recounts a specific experience: the speaker observed the ambassadors of the Anemolians when they visited Amaurot. That example illustrates how different customs create different impressions, so C is the anecdote.

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