The answer is A: To distinguish them from other social classes.
Explanation for each option:
A. To distinguish them from other social classes - This is the correct answer. The culture of spectacle at court was often used by nobles to set themselves apart from other social classes. Through elaborate displays, ceremonies, and events, nobles could demonstrate their wealth, power, and sophistication, reinforcing their superior social status.
B. To blend them with other social classes - This is incorrect. The culture of spectacle was not intended to blend nobles with other social classes. Instead, it was designed to emphasize the differences and maintain the social hierarchy.
C. To highlight their intellectual pursuits - While intellectual pursuits might have been a part of court life, the primary function of the culture of spectacle was not to highlight these pursuits. The focus was more on visual and ceremonial displays rather than intellectual achievements.
D. To promote economic equality - This is incorrect. The culture of spectacle was not aimed at promoting economic equality. On the contrary, it often highlighted economic disparities by showcasing the wealth and opulence of the nobility.