Question

Which of the following statements best describes how the theme of power is developed in the story "The Three Questions"? Option 1: The king wishes to be all-powerful, dominating everything around him. At the end of the story, he finds the knowledge to make this possible. Option 2: The king is an incredibly powerful ruler whose power is threatened by a crazed man who wants to seek revenge for his family's death. Option 3: The king wants to have greater control over the future. He goes out in search of answers only to realize that his original wish was in vain. Option 4: The king is weak, and very few people recognize him as an important man. By the end of the story, he has gained power in an unexpected way.

Answer 1

The theme of power in 'The Three Questions' is depicted through the king's quest for control over the future, which he eventually realizes is a futile desire.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theme of power in the story The Three Questions is best described by Option 3: The king wants to have greater control over the future. He goes out in search of answers only to realize that his original wish was in vain. This reflects a common narrative where a protagonist seeks to acquire power or control, only to discover that the true value lies in wisdom, compassion, or understanding which can't be controlled or commanded. The king's journey and the answers he finds highlight that power is not about dominance, but about knowing the right time to act, the right people to trust, and the most important thing to do, thus showing a philosophical and reflective approach to the concept of power.

Answer 2

The theme of power in 'The Three Questions' is best described as the king's realization that true power lies in being present and acting kindly in the moment, rather than controlling the future.

Step-by-step explanation:

The story "The Three Questions" by Leo Tolstoy explores the theme of power through the character of a king who seeks to understand the best time to do things, who are the right people to listen to, and the most important thing to do. The correct description of how the theme of power is developed in this story is Option 3: The king wants to have greater control over the future. He goes out in search of answers only to realize that his original wish was in vain. The king's journey demonstrates that true power comes from being present and doing good in the current moment, which is the most important time, with whoever happens to be with you, who are the most important people and doing good, which is the most important thing to do.