Question

1. read the excerpt below and answer the question that follows. the latin could only have explained them as scholars; for the rest would have not understood it. therefore, among those who desire to understand them there are many more illiterate than learned, it follows that the latin would not have fulfilled this behest as well as the vulgar tongue, which is understood by both the learned and the unlearned.* -dante alighieri, de vulgari eloquentia (\of literature in the vernacular\) based on the excerpt, which statement describes how renaissance literature often represented the culture of the time period? writers began using local languages so that their works could reach a wider audience. writers rejected classical ideas and avoided traditional forms of expression. writers limited their works to the interests of the educated elite. writers focused mainly on religious instruction rather than cultural expression. clear all

Explanation:

The excerpt from Dante's work highlights that Latin was only understood by scholars, so using the vulgar (local) tongue allowed works to be understood by both learned and unlearned. The option "Writers began using local languages so that their works could reach a wider audience" aligns with this, as local languages (vernacular) would include those who didn't understand Latin, thus widening the audience. Other options: rejecting classical ideas is not supported, limiting to educated elite contradicts the excerpt, and focusing on religious instruction isn't mentioned.

Answer:

Writers began using local languages so that their works could reach a wider audience.