Question

read the passage and answer the question.

the things laid in the court are those produced in the state to which the noble belongs. the emperor carries in his hands the rolls of silk, and leads a team of horses . . . the horses are set in the center of the court . . . the emperor gives the silk to the noble then the noble lays down the silks and kowtows bows to show respect twice.

from: book of etiquette and ceremonial, probably composed between the eighth and fifth centuries bce. this passage describes what happened when a nobleman visits the emperor.

this passage could best be used as evidence for which of the following claims about social hierarchy in ancient china?

choose 1 answer:

a it was based on military power

b it was connected to trade

c it was tied to religious status

d it was reinforced by public ritual

Explanation:

The passage describes a ritual where a nobleman kowtows to the emperor during a visit, involving specific actions like presenting silk and bowing. Option A is incorrect as the passage doesn't mention military power. Option B is wrong as the exchange of silk here is part of a ritual, not trade. Option C is incorrect as there's no religious aspect shown. Option D fits because the public ritual (the actions in the court) reinforces the social hierarchy between the emperor and the noble.

Answer:

D. It was reinforced by public ritual