Question 47

People tried very hard not to offend the king, so they would not receive a white elephant.

In Siam, receiving a white elephant was seen as a significant burden, as it was a royal gift that came with immense responsibilities. People were keenly aware of the repercussions of offending the king, which made them strive to avoid receiving such a gift.

A) If a village elder received a white elephant, the entire village shared in the supply of meat.

This option is incorrect because the extract does not mention any aspect of sharing meat from a white elephant. In fact, the white elephant was not meant to be used for labor or consumption, but rather was a liability that required lavish care.

B) People tried very hard not to offend the king, so they would not receive a white elephant.

This statement is correct as it aligns with the context provided in the extract. The custom of gifting a white elephant was a means of showing displeasure from the ruler, and receiving such a gift was a significant burden the recipient wanted to avoid.

C) White elephants were highly prized as they were very hard workers in the cane fields.

This option is incorrect because the extract clearly states that white elephants could not be made to work like other elephants. Instead of being valued for their labor, they were burdensome gifts that required extensive care.

D) The people of Siam vied for the honor of receiving the king's gift or a white elephant.

This option is also incorrect. The extract implies that receiving a white elephant was not an honor but rather a source of potential ruin, as it came with the obligation of expensive care and the risk of displeasing the king.

Conclusion

The correct answer, B, highlights the societal pressure in Siam to avoid offending the king and the negative implications of receiving a white elephant. All other options fail to accurately reflect the context of the white elephant as a burdensome gift rather than a prize or honor. Thus, B stands out as the only option that correctly captures the people's regard for a white elephant.