Question 1:
Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about Astyages's view of the Median socio-political structure?

A. As a result of his first dream, Astyages believed the threat his daughter posed to him could be through her husband.
B. Astyages believed that it is always best to observe the recommendations of the Magi.
C. Astyages believed that a Persian noble was less of a threat to his position than a Median noble.

I chose A only. The answer key says A and C. Here is why I think C is wrong:

The passage states that "Rather than marry her to a wealthy or powerful Mede, Astyages opted for a socially inferior Persian named Cambyses."

Passage never mentions the Persian "noble." For all we know, it could be that your average Persians were socially inferior, but once you acquire noble status, it doesn't matter whether you are Persian or Mede. The passage never mentions Persian noble and where they are in a social hierarchy.

The second reason is "Astyages opted for a socially inferior Persian named Cambyses." Does this mean Cambyses was socially inferior (who happened to be Persian?) Or Persian as a whole is socially inferior?

You cannot assume one or another based on the passage alone. Thus, I didn't pick C.

Does anyone agree or disagree?

The core of Astyages's view is revealed by his actions regarding Mandane's marriage and his fear of losing power.
A. As a result of his first dream, Astyages believed the threat his daughter posed to him could be through her husband.
- The first dream: "Mandane's urine flooded all of Asia, was interpreted ominously by the Magi."
- Astyages's reaction: "As a consequence, when the time came to marry Mandane off, Astyages made what turned out to be a fatal mistake. Rather than marry her to a wealthy or powerful Mede, Astyages opted for a socially inferior Persian named Cambyses."
- The passage states he "altered what would be a normal treatment of the marriage in order to marry his daughter to someone less threatening."
- Inference: Astyages's concern was about the threat posed by Mandane's potential husband if he were "wealthy or powerful Mede." By choosing a "socially inferior Persian," he aimed to mitigate this threat. This directly implies he viewed a powerful husband as a conduit for his daughter's potential threat to his rule.
- Therefore, this statement can be inferred.

B. Astyages believed that it is always best to observe the recommendations of the Magi.
- The passage states that the first dream "was interpreted ominously by the Magi."
- Astyages's subsequent action (marrying Mandane to Cambyses) was a "consequence" of this interpretation, implying he acted on it.
- The second dream "was interpreted to mean that Mandane's son would rule in Astyages's place." Fearing this prophecy, Astyages told Harpagus to kill the baby. Again, he acted on the interpretation.
- However, the phrase "always best to observe" suggests an absolute belief in their infallibility or necessity of following all recommendations. While he did follow their interpretations due to fear, the passage doesn't suggest he believed it was always best in a general sense, but rather that he feared the specific prophecies they delivered. His actions were driven by fear of the prophecies, not necessarily a general reverence for all Magi recommendations, especially when they were ominous. The passage emphasizes his fear and his attempts to avert the prophecies, which ironically fulfill them.
- Therefore, this statement cannot be definitively inferred as "always best" is a strong claim not fully supported.

C. Astyages believed that a Persian noble was less of a threat to his position than a Median noble.
- The passage states: "Rather than marry her to a wealthy or powerful Mede, Astyages opted for a socially inferior Persian named Cambyses."
- He did this to marry his daughter to "someone less threatening."
- Inference: By explicitly choosing a "socially inferior Persian" instead of a "wealthy or powerful Mede" because he wanted "someone less threatening," Astyages clearly viewed a Persian noble (especially a socially inferior one) as less of a threat to his power compared to a powerful Median noble. This reveals his understanding of the power dynamics within his kingdom and potential external threats.
- Therefore, this statement can be inferred.