Of Great Place MCQs & Summary

Summary:

Francis Bacon’s essay Of Great Place explores the nature, challenges, and responsibilities of those who hold positions of power. He emphasizes that power reveals a person’s true character and warns that those who seek high positions often do so for personal ambition rather than the public good. Bacon highlights the burdens of leadership, stating that leaders are constantly watched, judged, and expected to act wisely. He warns against the dangers of corruption and advises those in authority to rule with justice, fairness, and humility. Ultimately, Bacon conveys that power should be used for the benefit of society, not for personal gain.

MCQs:

1. What is the main focus of Bacon’s essay Of Great Place?
   a) The responsibilities and burdens of holding a high position
   b) The advantages of power
   c) The financial benefits of leadership
   d) The importance of education in leadership
   Answer: a) The responsibilities and burdens of holding a high position
2. According to Bacon, how does power affect a person?
   a) It makes them more humble
   b) It reveals their true nature
   c) It frees them from responsibility
   d) It isolates them from society
   Answer: b) It reveals their true nature
3. What does Bacon say about people in positions of authority?
   a) They should use their power wisely and justly
   b) They should focus on personal gain
   c) They should avoid interacting with common people
   d) They should always follow their own desires
   Answer: a) They should use their power wisely and justly

   

4. According to Bacon, what is one of the biggest challenges of being in a high position?
   a) Maintaining friendships
   b) Handling great responsibility and scrutiny
   c) Managing wealth
   d) Finding trustworthy advisors
   Answer: b) Handling great responsibility and scrutiny
5. What does Bacon suggest about those who seek high positions?
   a) They often do so for personal ambition rather than public good
   b) They always have noble intentions
   c) They should avoid power at all costs
   d) They are the most intelligent people in society
   Answer: a) They often do so for personal ambition rather than public good
6. How does Bacon describe the nature of power and corruption?
   a) Power can lead to corruption if not managed wisely
   b) Power always makes people virtuous
   c) Corruption is unrelated to power
   d) Only weak leaders become corrupt
   Answer: a) Power can lead to corruption if not managed wisely
7. What advice does Bacon give to those in positions of power?
   a) To be just, fair, and serve the public good
   b) To use power for personal gain
   c) To avoid making any decisions
   d) To remove all opposition immediately
   Answer: a) To be just, fair, and serve the public good
8. What does Bacon mean by “the rising into place is laborious”?
   a) Gaining a high position requires hard work and effort
   b) Only rich people can gain power
   c) Power is easily obtained
   d) Leadership is inherited, not earned
   Answer: a) Gaining a high position requires hard work and effort
9. What metaphor does Bacon use for men in high positions?
   a) “They are like actors on a stage”
   b) “They are like birds flying free”
   c) “They are like kings ruling over all”
   d) “They are like lions in the wild”
   Answer: a) “They are like actors on a stage”
10. What is Bacon’s overall message in Of Great Place?
    a) Power should be used responsibly for the greater good
    b) Power always leads to corruption
    c) Only noblemen should hold power
    d) Leadership is a burden best avoided
    Answer: a) Power should be used responsibly for the greater good