Given below are six sentences taken from a paragraph. The first and the last sentences are numbered S1 and S2 and are placed in the first and last positions respectively and are fixed in their positions. The other four sentences between the first and last sentences are jumbled up and are numbered A, B, C, and D. Rearrange the jumbled sentences in a logical sequence keeping the unity and coherence of the paragraph intact. Choose the correct alternative that best describes the sequence.
S1. In old times there was a certain petty monarch by the name of Jayadatta, and there was born to him a son named Devadatta.
A. Therefore, I will take a wife to my son from a merchant's family, in order that misfortune may not overtake his throne, though it is surrounded with many relations."
B. "The prosperity of kings is very unstable, being like a courtesan to be enjoyed by force; but the prosperity of merchants is like a
woman of good family; it is steady and does not fly to another man.
C. And that wise king, wishing to marry his son, who was grown up, thus reflected:
D. Having formed this resolve, that king sought for his son the daughter of a merchant in Pataliputra named Vasudatta.
S2. Vasudatta for his part, eager for such a distinguished alliance, gave that daughter of his to the prince, though he dwelt in a remote foreign land.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Logical Sequence Analysis
S1 (Fixed): In old times there was a certain petty monarch by the name of Jayadatta, and there was born to him a son named Devadatta.
Context: Introduces the king and his son.
C: And that wise king, wishing to marry his son, who was grown up, thus reflected:
Connection: This naturally follows S1 as the son has now "grown up," and the king starts thinking about his future.
B: "The prosperity of kings is very unstable, being like a courtesan to be enjoyed by force; but the prosperity of merchants is like a woman of good family; it is steady and does not fly to another man."
Connection: This sentence starts with quotation marks and contains the "reflection" mentioned in sentence C. It explains the king's reasoning for choosing a merchant's family.
A: "Therefore, I will take a wife to my son from a merchant's family, in order that misfortune may not overtake his throne, though it is surrounded with many relations."
Connection: This is the conclusion of the king's internal monologue (started in B). The word "Therefore" signals that he has made a decision based on his previous reflection.
D: Having formed this resolve, that king sought for his son the daughter of a merchant in Pataliputra named Vasudatta.
Connection: This moves the story from the king's private thoughts to action. "Having formed this resolve" refers back to the decision made in sentences B and A.
S2 (Fixed): Vasudatta for his part, eager for such a distinguished alliance, gave that daughter of his to the prince, though he dwelt in a remote foreign land.
Context: This concludes the story by showing the merchant's reaction to the king's proposal.
The correct sequence is CBAD.