In addition to its status as a textile, the Bayeux Tapestry serves as

Question

In addition to its status as a textile, the Bayeux Tapestry serves as an important source of information about the Norman Invasion of England. It contains a sequential arrangement of images that tells the story of the events leading up to the invasion and the eventual victory at the Battle of Hastings of William the Conqueror. However, calling into question the tapestry's authority as an objective report of contemporary history is the supposition that the tapestry was commissioned by William's half-brother and thus tells the story of the event from a Norman perspective. Crucial information about some of the events depicted seems to have been omitted from the embroidery. It is possible the Bayeux Tapestry colored contemporary public perception of the event because at the time, the majority of people were illiterate and could only read about the invasion in pictorial format.

Which of the following statements is most similar to the one underlying the author's reasoning regarding the authority of the Bayeux Tapestry?

A. A building can be constructed in a number of different ways.
B. Misinterpretation of a political speech can alter the historic record.
C. Technological developments quickly become outdated.
D. Laws must be evaluated within the context in which they were created.
E. The classification of what constitutes a work of art must be loosely defined.

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Official Answer

D

Which of the following statements is most similar to the one underlying the author's reasoning regarding the authority of the Bayeux Tapestry?

A. A building can be constructed in a number of different ways.
B. Misinterpretation of a political speech can alter the historic record.
C. Technological developments quickly become outdated.
D. Laws must be evaluated within the context in which they were created.
E. The classification of what constitutes a work of art must be loosely defined.

sayan640 · Answer

KarishmaB  why is it not B ?  MartyMurray

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Hacchuu · Answer

This was tricky as both B and D seemed right. However, I chose D.

Why?

The Bayeux Tapestry was made by people who had a specific viewpoint(Story of events from Norman's perspective), so it might not show everything exactly as it happened. When we take that into context, we can understand why it could've omitted some events.

Option D also provides a similar perspective: Laws need to be understood based on the time and place they were created, because what was important or acceptable back then might not be the same now.

HarishD · Answer

Can someone give detailed explanation.

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arkaja11 · Answer

GMATNinja

Can you please help us in clarifying why option B is not a correct answer?

My reasoning is bias/misinterpretation in a significant source can affect how events are recorded and understood, similar to how the Norman perspective in the Bayeux Tapestry might have influenced contemporary views of the Norman Invasion.

einstein801 · Answer

Hi, ill take a try:

The authority was not misinterpreted - rather it was designed that way to suit the current context/state of the people - where they were mostly illiterate (couldn't read)

Elite097 · Answer

The author's argument about the Bayeux Tapestry is that it may not be an objective historical record because it was commissioned by a Norman, potentially leading to a biased portrayal of events. This potential bias and omission of crucial information can affect how the historical event is perceived.

Understanding Option (D):
(D) Laws must be evaluated within the context in which they were created.

Explanation: This statement suggests that understanding laws requires considering the historical and cultural context in which they were created. This is analogous to understanding the Bayeux Tapestry within the context of its commissioning and potential biases.
How Option (D) Relates to the Bayeux Tapestry:
Just as the interpretation of laws can be influenced by their historical context, the Bayeux Tapestry's portrayal of events is influenced by its context of being a Norman-commissioned artifact. Thus, to accurately understand the tapestry’s historical account, one must consider its context, including potential biases and omissions.
Conclusion:
Option (D) is indeed a valid comparison because it highlights the importance of evaluating historical artifacts or records (like the Bayeux Tapestry) within their context. Both involve understanding that context can influence the interpretation and perceived accuracy of historical information.

nishajangir · Answer

A. A building can be constructed in a number of different ways.
 It doesn't address the idea of context or bias in historical interpretation, which is the key issue in the passage. Therefore, it’s not a good match.
B. Misinterpretation of a political speech can alter the historic record.
it mentions altering the historical record, but it doesn’t emphasize the importance of understanding the context of creation, which is the key point of the passage.
C. Technological developments quickly become outdated.
This statement is about the obsolescence of technology, which doesn’t relate to the themes of the context.
D. Laws must be evaluated within the context in which they were created.
D is the best choice because it captures the idea that understanding something requires considering the context in which it was created. This is central to the passage’s argument about the potential bias in the tapestry.
E. The classification of what constitutes a work of art must be loosely defined.
This statement is about defining art, which doesn’t relate to the concerns about historical context discussed in the passage.

In addition to its status as a textile, the Bayeux Tapestry serves as

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In addition to its status as a textile, the Bayeux Tapestry serves as