In the twelfth century the stained glass windows of cathedrals were pe

In the twelfth century the stained glass windows of cathedrals were perceived less as works of art than as chronicles of the ordinary lives of the townspeople. Like modern magazines, they related stories of important events, depicted prominent citizens in the community, and functioned as a record to preserve events for later generations.

The author of this passage makes her point by


(A) comparing something foreign with something more familiar to her readers
(B) citing examples to refute an opposing conclusion
(C) stating her opinion and explaining why she holds it
(D) expressing as fact something that is merely an opinion
(E) reducing art to its function as a means of communication