This exercise is a short essay exercise and should be limited to 10 minutes. This is the typical time limit you will be receiving on the AP exam. The essay topic will challenge your understanding of Gothic architecture in chapter 16.

Using the passage and the following image, discuss how this vision of Abbot Suger was fulfilled by the architecture and its design.

“When … the loveliness of the many-colored gems has called me away from external cares, and worthy meditation has induced me to reflect, transferring that which is material to that which is immaterial, on the diversity of the sacred virtues: then it seems to me that I see myself dwelling, as it were, in some strange region of the universe which neither exists entirely in the slime of the earth nor entirely in the purity of Heaven; and that, by the grace of God, I can be transported from this inferior to that higher world in an anagogical [mystical] manner … ”

Remember to identify – fully – this architectural feature and connect at least three elements of it to the prompt. Remember also to start with a strong, clear, thesis and then introduce your supporting evidence from there.

Rubric

4 (A)

Correctly identifies the artwork and connects the image to the prompt. Student includes the cultural context of the artwork, directly connecting the culture with the artwork’s physical attributes in at least three areas. No significant errors.

3 (B)

Correctly identifies the artwork and connects the image to the prompt. Student includes the cultural context of the artwork directly connecting the culture with the artwork’s physical attributes in only two areas. There may be a few minor errors.

2 (C)

Student correctly identifies the artwork but does not connect the image to the prompt or student does not correctly identify the artwork but identifies the style, culture or time period with correct reasons to support their statements. Includes some cultural context of the artwork and only attempts to describe the artwork’s physical attributes. The essay is generally not well developed. There may be significant errors.

1 (D)

Does not identify the artwork or connect the image to the prompt. Student includes only vague cultural context for the artwork and only attempts to describe the artwork’s physical attributes. The essay is generally not well developed. There may be significant errors.

0 (F)

Attempt is made but without valid concepts or no attempt is made.