Medieval

MEDIEVAL LYRICS
It was typical of Medieval poems to be written on the topic of love or religion. The religious poems were often written by clerics or monks and used in religious services. Sometimes they were words that were paired with a tune. "A Hymn to Holy Women" by Notker Balbulus, a monk,wrote several of these such poems. He begins by saying that the ladder stretches to heaven and by this I believe he means the cross. At the bottom of this cross is Satan, the dragon, who prevents people from climbing the ladder without being torn. At the top of the ladder is a young man which women can freely reach thanks to Mary giving birth to Christ. The poem goes on to say that because the Devil seduced Eve everyone can be grabbed by the devil and for this women wish to avenge Eve. If this poem was in fact sang as a hymn it seems that it would make quite a strange song.

MEDIEVAL WOMEN
A. During the Middle Ages women were still thought to be inferior to men. Some thought that the Bible suggested this by remarks such as woman "shalt be under the man's power". It is such verses in the Bible containing comments about men and women that still create arguments even today. The medieval women were supposed to be controlled by their husbands and were used to provide anything they needed sexually and maybe to bear children, especially males. Still today some people say that it was man who was created in God's perfect image and woman were just made from Adam's rib and therefore less perfect than man. Even the verses that say women shall be quiet in the church are taken out of context today and used to say that women should not hold jobs in the church. It was the church leaders such as Tertullian who made misogynistic comments such as "women are the devil's gateway". I believe these church fathers influenced those of the time but I do not think these misconceptions have disappeared since. Certainly women now have moved up in society for they can hold the same jobs as men and even run for president but I do not think all misconceptions have disappeared. Specifically in churches today I think these ideas of women being inferior are still debated but also outside of the church. Women are still often portrayed to be worse at sports, or not as smart, or just good for sex.

The textbook specifically mentions two sources which contain arguments against these negatives views of women. The Southern Passion defended the accusation that women were to blame for man's lust- saying that women as a whole should not be blamed. This argument seems to be fairly strong. Only some women who may cause men to lust should not be enough to bring such negative judgments among all women. Letter from the God of Love is one of the first feminist works and discusses the slandering of women. The writer, Christine de Pizan, said to men that"in slandering women they are slandering their own mothers and sisters". This argument seems logical and valid but sadly men probably thought the same things about their mothers or sisters. It was the actions of Joan of Arc that demonstrated the abilities of women.

SIR GAWAIN

The story of Sir Gawain shows the importance of chivalry to the medieval culture. The Green Knight arrives during a fifteen day long feast, which reflects the time period. He wants to play a game and wishes for someone to step up. This idea of competition was a popular theme in the culture as well as the literature of the Middle Ages. Sir Gawain shows his courage as he steps up to the Green Knight to fight instead of Arthur. After being granted a year of freedom before he must come and be struck by the Knight- he demonstrates his honesty or faithfulness by returning. This trait of faithfulness and bravery was one that was greatly respected by those during the time. This sacrifice made by Sir Gawain - to potentially die in replace of Arthur - reflects Christ's sacrifice. It is possibly this comparison that could reflect the religious views of the time as well the incorporation of Christmas in the story and its importance and celebrations for the occasion.