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In Interpretation A the artist portrays early Norman castles as a means of control - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 6
In Interpretation A the artist portrays early Norman castles as a means of control. Identify and explain one way in which he does this. Interpretation A – An illust... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In Interpretation A the artist portrays early Norman castles as a means of control - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify and explain one way in which he does this.
Answer
One way the artist portrays the early Norman castles as a means of control is through the depiction of the castle's towering structure. The high walls and the placement of the keep illustrate how the castle served as a physical representation of Norman power over the land. The imposing fortress would have instilled fear in the local population, thus serving to reinforce the control of the Normans. Additionally, the presence of guards at the entrance indicates a readiness to defend and exert authority, further emphasizing the castle's role in maintaining control. This strong visual representation suggests that the castle was not only a residential structure but also a tool for enforcing dominance.
Step 2
If you were asked to do further research on one aspect of Interpretation A, what would you choose to investigate?
Answer
I would choose to investigate the architectural features of motte and bailey castles. This would allow me to understand the strategic advantages they offered in terms of defense and control. By examining the design and layout of these castles, I can analyze how their structure facilitated both protection for the Normans and intimidation of the local populace. Additionally, exploring the evolution of these architectural styles from the initial motte and bailey to more fortified versions will help illustrate how Norman power consolidated over time. This research would provide a deeper understanding of the significance of castle architecture in maintaining Norman control.