Final answer:
The Roettgen Pietà's distorted proportions enhance its symbolism by evoking an emotional response intended to emphasize empathy and shared human suffering in the context of Gothic art.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distorted proportions of the Roettgen Pietà contribute to its symbolism, as it is an example of Gothic art which aimed to invoke an emotional response in the viewer. The exaggeration of certain features like the skeletal abdomen of Christ and the intense expression of Mary serve to emphasize shared human suffering and the emotional turmoil associated with the scenes depicted in the Pietà. Rather than striving for realism, the sculptor subordinated realistic proportions to emotionally charged symbolism, making the artwork a profound devotional object meant to inspire contemplative prayer and empathy in medieval viewers.