Question 1

Discuss the reasons for the growth of the Cult of the Virgin Mary during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries and the effects this cult had on the Gothic cathedrals.

Accepted Answer

The Cult of the Virgin Mary experienced significant growth during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries for several reasons. Firstly, the Crusades brought back stories and relics of the Virgin Mary from the Holy Land, sparking a renewed interest in her among the Christian population. Additionally, the rise of chivalry and courtly love during this time period also contributed to the idealization of the Virgin Mary as the epitome of purity and grace.

The effects of this cult on Gothic cathedrals were profound. The increased devotion to the Virgin Mary led to the construction of many new chapels and shrines dedicated to her within the cathedrals. These chapels often featured elaborate artwork and sculptures depicting the life of the Virgin Mary, further emphasizing her importance in the Christian faith. Additionally, the cult of the Virgin Mary influenced the architectural design of Gothic cathedrals, with many of them being dedicated to her and featuring elements such as rose windows and soaring spires that were meant to symbolize her heavenly presence.

Overall, the growth of the Cult of the Virgin Mary during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries had a significant impact on the construction and design of Gothic cathedrals, shaping them into spaces that celebrated and honored the revered figure of the Virgin Mary.

Question 2

The new Gothic style was proclaimed by the use of

Accepted Answer

A)  abundant light.
B)  Corinthian capitals.
C)  round arches.
D)  stone as a primary building material. A

Question 3

Peter Abelard based his teaching upon the methods of

Accepted Answer

A)  Jesus.
B)  King David.
C)  Socrates.
D)  Aristotle. C

Question 4

Gothic cathedrals included flying buttresses to

Accepted Answer

A)  allow for larger windows and portals.
B)  help spread the weight of the vaults.
C)  divert water from the roof and walls.
D)  provide interior support for the arches.

Question 5

The term "Gothic," as applied to France's new architecture,was originally a derogatory term,because the

Accepted Answer

A)  Gothic cathedrals were considered too dark.
B)  Goths had destroyed Classical traditions.
C)  French were considered to be a barbaric people.
D)  French were descended from the Visigoths.

Question 6

Summarize and explain Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica argument on the existence of God.

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

Discuss the advancement from the stylized Romanesque sculptures to the growing sense of naturalism portrayed by Gothic statuary,using as at least one of your examples the jamb statues at Reims Cathedral.

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

In fifteenth-century Bruges,the Radiant style could be seen in the

Accepted Answer

A)  town hall.
B)  hospital.
C)  palace.
D)  treasury.

Question 9

Who designed the Abbey of Saint-Denis's renovation and thus began the Gothic style?

Accepted Answer

A)  Eleanor of Aquitaine
B)  Thomas Aquinas
C)  Abbot Suger
D)  King Louis VII

Question 10

Why,in 1179,did the cathedral school of Notre-Dame in Paris start admitting nonclerical students?

Accepted Answer

A)  France had an excess of clergy.
B)  A papal decree ordered their admittance.
C)  The Church withdrew funding of the school.
D)  Enrollment of clerical students was shrinking.

Question 11

Identify two architectural innovations that enabled the Gothic structures to be constructed,and show how they contributed to new heights and design.

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Louis IX was beloved by the French people,because he

Accepted Answer

A)  used tax revenues to transform Paris into a New Jerusalem.
B)  opened his sumptuous private chapel to all classes of worshippers.
C)  abolished serfdom and private wars and reformed the tax structure.
D)  divided his authority among self-governing ducal courts.

Question 13

Identify the main features of a Gothic cathedral,using examples from specific cathedrals.

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Compare Gothic cathedral architecture with Sainte-Chapelle's Radiant style.

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

What survived Chartres Cathedral's devastating fire of 1194?

Accepted Answer

A)  Abbott Suger's preserved body and a window portraying him
B)  Mary's tunic and a window portraying her
C)  the Gothic south spire
D)  the rose window and its lancets

Question 16

Explain how the Gothic cathedral influenced musical composition and performance.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

Perhaps owing to difficulties in identifying with Jesus,the Middle Ages witnessed a significant cult of

Accepted Answer

A)  Jesse.
B)  Mary,Sister of Moses.
C)  the Virgin.
D)  Elizabeth.

Question 18

The University of Paris was most distinguished by its

Accepted Answer

A)  liberal arts program.
B)  admittance of women.
C)  quality of teaching.
D)  center for the study of law.

Question 19

Explain the symbolism inherent in a Gothic cathedral,citing as examples specific cathedrals.

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

The Tree of Jesse is a common stained-glass motif,because it

Accepted Answer

A)  connects nature to the heavenly realm.
B)  symbolizes the people's ability to ascend to heaven.
C)  reminds the people of Jesus's suffering for their sins.
D)  establishes Mary's royal lineage from King David.

Exam 12: The Gothic Style: Faith and Knowledge in an Age of Inquiry