The Norton-Polk-Mathis House in San Antonio displays an integrated des

Question

The Norton-Polk-Mathis House in San Antonio displays an integrated design well-suited to the primary purpose of the building: to impress. This is evidenced by the fact that the building was designed with the street it faces in mind. Only the South façade is architecturally interesting or involved—the sides of the building are flat, featureless, and uninteresting. The house was designed not only as a living area, but also as a structure to be seen from the street. The building reflects typical Renaissance ideals of order and weight, and, while it is asymmetrical, it is well balanced and stable. The choice of materials also reflects the “rediscovery” of antiquity prevalent in the Italian Renaissance. The white stone lends an elegant simplicity to the building yet it radiates an air of strength and mass reminiscent of the Parthenon or the Athenian temples—especially when juxtaposed with the other, seemingly fragile brick and wood homes of the neighborhood.    1 
 Consider each of the answer choices separately and indicate all that apply.

1. Which of the following can be inferred about the Norton-Polk-Mathis House?

A. It was built during the Italian Renaissance.
B. Its primary purpose was utilitarian in nature.
C. It appears stronger than other nearby homes.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

OE

The Norton-Polk-Mathis House uses typical Renaissance ideals as well as materials  “prevalent in the Italian Renaissance.”  However, the passage certainly does not say that the house itself was built during the Renaissance. The first statement is not true. According to the passage, the primary purpose of the building is  “to impress,”  so its purpose is not primarily utilitarian. The second statement is also not true. The author does write that the house  “radiates an air of strength,”  especially when  “juxtaposed with the other, seemingly fragile brick and wood homes of the neighborhood.”  This supports the third statement. 
 
  Answer: C

The Norton-Polk-Mathis House in San Antonio displays an integrated des

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