Concept:The correct ordering requires linking ideas logically: first the general trend (material attraction), then introducing a humanist writer (Francesco Barbaro), his pamphlet, then another humanist (Valla) with a related critique.
Explanation:S1 states that religion’s control weakened in Italy.
Sentence P follows naturally: though not irreligious, Italians were drawn to wealth, power, and glory.
Next, sentence S introduces a specific humanist, Francesco Barbaro from Venice.
Sentence Q then explains that Barbaro wrote a pamphlet defending wealth as a virtue – this directly connects to P.
Finally, sentence R gives another humanist, Lorenzo Valla, who criticised the Christian ban on pleasure; this continues the theme of challenging religious restrictions.
S6 about concern with good manners logically concludes.
Thus the correct sequence is P → S → Q → R, i.e., PSQR.
Answer:Option C: PSQR