Question

the golden hope
by robert h. fuller (adapted excerpt)
chares, too, belonged to a family of wealth and influence, for his father, jason, had been one of the foremost men in thebes. in height he stood more than six feet, and the knotted muscles of his arms indicated enormous strength. he was buoyant, light - hearted, irresponsible, and pleasure - loving. his affection for the athenian, whom he had known from boyhood, was the strongest impulse in him.
they (chares and clearchus) had first met leonidas at the olympic games, where he won the laurel crown in the chariot race, and they had admitted him to their friendship. different as they were from each other, there seemed little in common between either of them and the swarthy lacedaemonian who lay eating silently while they chattered gossip of mutual acquaintances. leonidas was rather below the middle stature, all bone and sinew, practised in arms, and inured to hardships...
15
select the correct answer.
based on the passage, what is the best inference that can be made about clearchus’s character?
a. he appreciates and values artistic talent.
b. he appreciates and values physical strength.
c. he enjoys chariot races.
d. he enjoys being from a wealthy family.

Explanation:

To determine the best inference about Clearchus's character, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The passage does not mention artistic talent, so this is incorrect.
• Option B: The text states "the knotted muscles of his arms indicated enormous strength" and "he was the strongest impulse in him" (likely a typo, but context shows strength is highlighted), and his traits like being buoyant, light - hearted suggest he values physical strength. This option fits.
• Option C: The passage says he won the laurel crown in the chariot race, but there's no indication he "enjoys" chariot races (winning once doesn't imply enjoyment of the activity itself).
• Option D: The passage says Chares (related? Maybe a typo for Clearchus?) belonged to a wealthy family, but there's no info about Clearchus enjoying being from a wealthy family.

Answer:

B. He appreciates and values physical strength.