In studying French society, what did bread symbolize besides food?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Livelihood and insecurity of the poor
The governing concept is the social meaning of bread in an eighteenth-century subsistence economy. For poor families, bread was the basic element of daily nourishment and often absorbed a large part of household income. Its availability and price therefore represented livelihood, security and the ability to survive. A failed harvest or rising grain prices could quickly produce hunger, anger and protests, making bread a symbol of economic insecurity as well as food. A noble title, a church office and the king’s army belonged to political or institutional spheres and had no direct symbolic connection with the poor family’s daily struggle for food. Thus option A is correct.
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What is the correct answer to this question?
Livelihood and insecurity of the poor
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is the social meaning of bread in an eighteenth-century subsistence economy. For poor families, bread was the basic element of daily nourishment and often absorbed a large part of household income. Its availability and price therefore represented livelihood, security and the ability to survive. A failed harvest or rising grain prices could quickly produce hunger, anger and protests, making bread a symbol of economic insecurity as well as food. A noble title, a church office and the king’s army belonged to political or institutional spheres and had no direct symbolic connection with the poor family’s daily struggle for food. Thus option A is correct.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 9 History question. Chapter: The French Revolution. Topic: French Society During the Late Eighteenth Century.
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