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 blade21cn
  • Posts: 100
  • Joined: May 21, 2019
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#94773
I eliminated the correct answer choice (D) because of the quantifier "many," as the passage never asserts the non-existence of opposition to the monarchy during the baroque era.

Rather, line 5: "This larger view was held by the late Spanish historian Jose Antonio Maravall, whose writings trace aspects of the modern world - especially the PRINCIPLE OF INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY IN OPPOSITION TO THE STATE'S POWER - back to the baroque era as it UNFOLDED in Spain."

Also, Line 11: "Maravall argues that the baroque period was characterized by 'monarchical absolutism': monarchs, having suppressed the worst excesses of aristocratic disorder, could now ally themselves with their nobilities to defend traditional order and values in societies UNSETTLED BY THE RENAISSANCE'S LIBERATING FORCES OF CRITICISM AND OPPOSITION. These forces appeared ESPECIALLY THREATENING, because deteriorating economic conditions heightened conflict among different elements of society."

Therefore, I felt that a few works of art expressing opposition to the monarchy is perfectly consistent with the backdrop during the baroque era. Thanks!
 Robert Carroll
PowerScore Staff
  • PowerScore Staff
  • Posts: 1783
  • Joined: Dec 06, 2013
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#94801
blade21cn,

You're making a common error - thinking that the correct answer to a Weaken question must destroy the argument. This standard never applies - any information that makes the conclusion less likely to be true is the correct answer for a Weaken question. So, when answer choice (D) posits works of art during the baroque period that challenge the monarchy, Maravall's view, which is that baroque artwork was part of a culture that maintained the monarchical power structure of the time, would be undermined.

The references you give actually prove why answer choice (D) is correct. Maravall thinks that baroque art reflects a monarchy- and nobility-driven reaction to the liberating forces that were in the air in the aftermath of the Renaissance. While elements of the culture did include resistance to the established power structures, Maravall argues that the baroque style was a tool of the elites to suppress these views - baroque art itself would not have served the ideal of liberty but would have been used to react against it.

Robert Carroll

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