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演劇批評、家庭エネルギー消費、宇宙旅行:三つの視座」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The seemingly disparate fields of theatrical criticism, domestic energy consumption, and space travel share a common thread: the intricate relationship between human ambition, resource allocation, and the pursuit of the seemingly impossible. Consider the dedication and resources poured into a complex theatrical production. Months of rehearsal, meticulous set design, and the skilled labor of numerous individuals coalesce to create a fleeting performance, often viewed by a limited audience. This mirrors the investment in reducing domestic energy consumption. While the ultimate goal – a sustainable future – is undeniably significant, the immediate costs and lifestyle changes required demand considerable sacrifice and long-term commitment from individuals and governments alike. Resources are diverted, infrastructure is altered, and behavior must be fundamentally reshaped. The exploration of space, perhaps the most ambitious endeavor of all three, represents a dramatic escalation of this pattern. The scale is immense, demanding billions of dollars and the collaborative efforts of scientists, engineers, and governments across the globe. The rewards – scientific discovery, resource acquisition, the expansion of human civilization – are potentially vast, but they remain uncertain, and the risks are substantial. The commonality lies in the human drive to achieve the seemingly unattainable. Whether it is the ephemeral beauty of a theatrical performance, the lasting sustainability of our planet, or the colonization of other worlds, each endeavor compels us to evaluate the value of our resources and the limits of our ambition. It forces a confrontation with the tension between immediate needs and far-reaching goals, between individual desires and collective responsibility. Such reflection necessitates a critical examination of the allocation of finite resources and the ethical implications of such decisions, irrespective of the specific pursuit.

1. Which of the following best describes the central theme of the passage?

2. The author uses the analogy of theatrical productions primarily to:

3. What is the author's main point regarding the relationship between immediate needs and far-reaching goals?

4. According to the passage, what is a common characteristic of theatrical criticism, domestic energy consumption, and space travel?