Question

read the passage from ivanhoe. about the hour of ten oclock, the whole plain was crowded with horsemen, horsewomen, and foot passengers, hastening to the tournament; and shortly after, a grand flourish of trumpets announced prince john and his retinue, attended by many of those knights who meant to take share in the game, as well as others who had no such intention. about the same time arrived cedric the saxon, with the lady rowena, unattended, however, by athelstane. this saxon lord had arrayed his tall and strong person in armour, in order to take his place among the combatants; and, considerably to the surprise of cedric, had chosen to enlist himself on the part of the knight templar. how can the reader conclude that the passage takes place in the medieval period? the passage portrays a group of people watching public games. the passage portrays a public gathering sanctioned by the church. the passage portrays a monarch ruling over a division of social classes. the passage portrays common professions of the middle class during the era.

Explanation:

The medieval period was characterized by a feudal social structure with a monarch at the top. The mention of "Prince John" (a monarch - like figure) and the different groups such as knights (a higher - status group in the feudal hierarchy) and other attendees (who may be of lower status) indicates a division of social classes. Public games (tournaments) were also a common feature in the medieval period, but the key indicator here is the portrayal of a monarch - led social class division.

Answer:

The passage portrays a monarch ruling over a division of social classes.