The Embarrassment Of Riches by Simon Schama
- 1. In 'The Embarrassment of Riches: An Interpretation of Dutch Culture in the Golden Age', Simon Schama offers a profound exploration of the unique cultural and social dynamics of the Netherlands during the 17th century, a period often referred to as the Dutch Golden Age. The book delves into the extraordinary wealth and economic prosperity experienced by the Dutch Republic, juxtaposing it with the moral and ethical dilemmas that arose from such affluence. Schama meticulously examines a wide array of artistic expression, including painting, literature, and architecture, illustrating how these cultural artifacts are deeply intertwined with the societal values and concerns of the time. With his characteristic narrative style, Schama investigates themes of consumerism, social status, and the protestant work ethic, all while bringing to life the vibrant interplay between the individual and the collective, the sacred and the secular in Dutch society. The author engages the reader with vivid descriptions and a rich array of historical detail, making the case that the 'embarrassment' of riches was not merely a personal or private concern, but a fundamental aspect of Dutch identity that continues to resonate in discussions of wealth and morality in modern times.
What is the primary historical period examined in 'The Embarrassment of Riches'?
A) The Age of Enlightenment
B) The Italian Renaissance
C) The Victorian Era
D) The Dutch Golden Age
- 2. What religious tradition most influenced Dutch culture during this period?
A) Lutheranism
B) Catholicism
C) Anabaptism
D) Calvinism
- 3. Which artistic genre flourished in the Dutch Golden Age according to Schama?
A) Religious frescoes
B) Royal portraiture
C) Genre painting of domestic life
D) Neoclassical sculpture
- 4. What natural element was central to Dutch identity and survival?
A) Mountains
B) Forests
C) Water
D) Desert
- 5. How does Schama interpret the popularity of still-life paintings?
A) As status symbols only
B) As religious propaganda
C) As simple decorative pieces
D) As moral commentaries on transience
- 6. What international conflict shaped Dutch identity during this period?
A) The Seven Years' War with England
B) The Hundred Years' War with France
C) The Thirty Years' War with Germany
D) The Eighty Years' War with Spain
- 7. What does Schama suggest about Dutch cleanliness?
A) It was imported from France
B) It was unique to wealthy households
C) It was largely mythical
D) It reflected moral and social values
- 8. How does Schama view the relationship between Dutch art and commerce?
A) Art was imported from Italy
B) Art was separate from economic life
C) Art was exclusively for churches
D) Art was a commodity in a thriving market
- 9. What does the book's title 'The Embarrassment of Riches' primarily refer to?
A) Moral dilemmas of prosperity
B) Taxation difficulties
C) Physical storage problems
D) International ridicule
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