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Select one of the people described below - Junior Cycle History - Question A. - 2019
Question A.
Select one of the people described below. Write about that person. (i) A farmer living in ancient (pre-Christian) Ireland. (ii) A monk in an early Christian monast... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Select one of the people described below - Junior Cycle History - Question A. - 2019
Step 1
A farmer living in ancient (pre-Christian) Ireland.
Answer
In ancient (pre-Christian) Ireland, farmers played a vital role in society, primarily focused on subsistence agriculture. They cultivated various crops, such as barley, oats, and wheat, while also engaging in animal husbandry, raising livestock including cattle, sheep, and pigs. Community life was essential, with farmers often living in clan systems, sharing resources and labor. The farming techniques were rudimentary, employing tools made from stone and wood, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of the time.
The social structure revolved around kinship and land ownership. The farmer's status often depended on land area cultivated and livestock herded. Important seasonal festivals, like Bealtaine and Samhain, were directly related to agricultural cycles, marking planting and harvest times. Spirituality before Christianity also influenced farming practices, with deities believed to guard crops and livestock. Thus, the life of a farmer was deeply intertwined with both the land and the spiritual beliefs of ancient Irish culture.
Step 2
A monk in an early Christian monastery in Ireland.
Answer
The life of a monk in an early Christian monastery in Ireland was characterized by devotion to faith, community, and learning. Monasteries, like Glendalough or Clonmacnoise, served as centers for spiritual life and education. Monks engaged in rigorous daily routines, comprising prayer, study, and manual labor, embodying the principles of asceticism and hard work.
Education was a primary focus, with monks often copying texts and transcribing the Bible, which was crucial for preserving knowledge during the Dark Ages. Community living fostered a strong sense of brotherhood, and communal prayers were held multiple times a day. Important features of these monasteries included round towers for lookout and storage, and scriptoria where scribes worked.
Monks also played a critical role in the agricultural development of the region, cultivating the land around their monasteries, contributing significantly to the local economy and supporting the surrounding communities.
Step 3
A named Renaissance writer.
Answer
A significant Renaissance writer, William Shakespeare, is often regarded as one of the greatest playwrights and poets in the English language. Born in 1564, Shakespeare's works encompassed a wide range of genres, including tragedies, comedies, and histories. His notable plays such as 'Hamlet,' 'Macbeth,' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' have profoundly influenced literature and the arts.
Shakespeare's mastery of language and ability to explore complex human emotions set him apart. His use of iambic pentameter and inventive use of imagery enriched English literature. Additionally, his plays often reflect the socio-political context of the Elizabethan era, providing insight into the human condition.
Shakespeare's works remain timeless, continuously performed and studied, affirming his status as a monumental figure in literary history.