Many diversified characteristics will help identify a structure as Gothic: ogee archways, ribbed vaults, and the wondrous flying buttresses are a few. Yet, it is always the craft placed high above, which captures our eyes and imaginations most effectively.

Since all works of religious art rise beyond mere artistic expression, bearingpotent symbolic reference, we must accept that our attention was intended to be focused upwards. Within the span of the passing centuries, the cathedrals of the Middle Ages themselves rise up above other cultural achievements. At the center of these towering legacies resides Notre Dame de Paris, "Our Lady".

重点词汇

Gothic a. 哥特式的
ogee n. 弯曲，S形

archway n. 拱门，拱道
vault n. 拱顶

ribbed a. 有棱纹的，有肋骨的
buttress n. （建筑）扶壁

few n. 很少数，几乎没有
cathedral n. 大教堂

the Middle Ages n. 中世纪
potent a. 有力的，有效的

legacy n. 祖先传下的遗产
towering a. 高耸的，杰出的

reside v. 居住
Notre Dame de Paris n. 巴黎圣母院