The quiz prompt presents Maria Celeste as Galileo’s closest correspondent and a practical supporter during one of Galileo’s most sensitive periods. It links her convent life, her frequent communication with Galileo, and her role in managing his personal affairs during his trial.
Key claims in the prompt include:
— Maria Celeste was placed in a Franciscan convent at age 13 and faced poor marriage prospects.
— Maria Celeste wrote Galileo a total of 124 surviving letters.
— Maria Celeste provided practical help such as mending Galileo’s shirts and sending him sweets.
