OFFICIAL EXPLANATION QUESTION #2


(A).

One of the two mistakes referred to in the passage was marrying Mandane to Cambyses. But if her son would have deposed Astyages even if he had had a different father, then altering what would have been the normal treatment of her marriage was not a mistake that led to Astyages's downfall. This supports choice (A). Choice (B) supports the two mistakes theory, as Astyages allowing his daughter to marry at all would still count as a mistake. As for choice (C), Harpagus's knowledge of the prophecy is irrelevant-the mistake is Astyages's infanticidal order. In choice (D), Astyages still meets his downfall after two mistakes. Choice (E) reinforces the idea that Astyages two drastic actions constitute two major mistakes.

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.