Don Quixote & Praise of Folly

1. Despite Don Quixote's insanity Cervantes still manages to incorporate what would be considered Renaissance-style humanism. It is the reasons that motivated Don Quixote to act like he did that reflect this humanism. He acted out of courage and wanted to show qualities of a knight. He wanted to help others and generally rid the world of evil. This obsession with displaying knightly qualities eventually led to destruction. Don Quixote began hurting others on his journey to try and save them. Despite this, he can still be admired for being so chivalrous and perhaps to them excused for harming others because he was crazy. During the Renaissance what was thought to be right or wrong was not what matters. What was important was the reasons behind the actions. Don Quixote just had a passion of becoming this knight and the story reflects the idea of "beauty" that the Renaissance literature often portrayed.

2. Don Quixote is written from a third person point of view which makes the narrator, or Cervantes, able to persuade how the audience feels toward Don Quixote. It seems that Cervantes wants to portray Don Quixote as insane or at least in a way that builds sympathy from the reader. Perhaps this was so the reader might not judge him as harshly for the negative things he does but instead remember him for his brave actions. Cervantes began writing Don Quixote while he was in jail. Maybe he felt sorry for the insane sort of people he saw there. Don Quixote displays such dedication through his adventure and maybe Cervantes was not depicting insanity as being as awful as it often seems. In his work he is reflecting the thought that of those in the Renaissance that the beauty behind motives is greater than what is morally right.

1. Erasmus focuses on the Catholic church in The Praise of Folly. Through Folly he tells how the rituals in which the Catholics persist in following are meaningless and make their religion controlling or uptight instead of personal. He also criticizes the way they hold Mary in higher regards than Jesus. Erasmus disagrees with the Catholic church's sale of indulgences as well. This is typical done to buy one's relatives out of purgatory and into Heaven. Erasmus refers to it as a way to wipe away sins. Erasmus is condemning and mocking this ritual as he says, "imagine here... some businessman or soldier or judge who thinks that if he throws into the collection basket one coin from all his plunder, the whole cespool of his sinful life will be immediately wiped out". He also finds that the superstitions they hold are ridiculous. A lot of what Erasmus says in The Praise of Folly follows the lines of Biblical theology. The practices of the church in which he condemns are in fact things that are not found in the Bible- such as the selling of indulgences. The Catholic church's way of praising Mary is also not what the Bible teaches and Erasmus is pointing out that the Catholic church has strayed away from what is truly in the Bible and has become a religion that is based on rituals that man has created. However, some of what Erasmus says seems a little off from what Christians today believe.. It seems that he believes that it is through folly in which true wisdom is gained- saying that foolishness is necessary. Although this seems logical I do not think that Bible suggests that we should be foolish it's just that we are often foolish.

2. In The Praise of Folly Erasmus uses satire for the purpose of making his serious message come off in a humorous way. Writing in this way often keeps the writer in a safe position. Particularly, in having his story told from an old woman dressed as a jester, Erasmus can hide behind her in a way. He can either say that those were simply the words of the old lady, or he can say that it was what he truly thought. Many writers take this method when writing on such serious and sensitive subjects. A comic approach is usually thought to be a good method in bringing up such controversial ideas. By having a woman named Folly dressed as a jester addressing a crowd makes Erasmus' whole story seem like foolishness. Although to him it really is serious by hiding behind such satire he can at least pretend, if necessary, that it was not his actually thoughts. This satire would keep him away from any negative reactions and is quite an impressive idea to address such issues.

Paradise Lost

1. Although Milton takes many ideas from the Bible, Paradise Lost includes some details that Milton creates on his own. Milton says that he will "assert Eternal Providence, And justify the ways of God to men". Unfortunately Milton will never be able to understand God and explain in his epic all that God intended, so his product resulted in some false ideas or at least some that are not biblical. In Book 1 he mentions that Satan's legions were given the names of the "idols known afterwards in Canaan and the countries adjoining" mostly saying that they serve fake gods. I believe that the Bible does not mention the names of any of "angels" that fell with Satan. For the most part Milton stretches out the Biblical account of the Fall adding more details which are manly his own ideas. Milton writes that it is Beelzebub who is next to Satan in power. This is not something that I believe the Bible mentions. The Bible doesn't mention much about Satan's fall from Heaven but throughout book 1 Milton describes Hell, Satan, and his legions in vivid detail portraying him to be powerful and almost a great warrior. Book 2 goes on saying that Satan has the option to fight back for his spot in Heaven which is definitely not what the Bible says. It seems that although the Bible makes Hell seem like a place of destruction and as a lake of fire, Milton portrays it as a place that's not so bad after all. God is the ruler of all things, even Satan, but Paradise Lost makes it sound like Satan had a chance to fight back.

2. I think Milton's purpose was not necessarily to contradict the Bible but to bring about a new idea or version that would shock its readers as well entertain as he incorporated his ideas. He wanted to be different and stand out from previously written prose and that is what he did. Some details that he incorporated seem logical and perhaps could have happened where others do not. For the most part I think reading Paradise Lost does not help one better understand the fall because it is not accurate. For people who did not or do not have a Bible to compare it to might be misled. For instance, when Satan was cast out of Heaven the Bible does not say that he was given another chance. But, Milton does show the evilness of Satan and how he wishes to destroy this new race that God has created by first tricking Adam and Eve. Some aspects of the story are interesting to read and think about. I particularly liked on page 2588 where Adam is told to give names to the animals. Milton mentions Adam does this with the knowledge God gave him. I always wondered how Adam thought up the names for animals, seeing as they are pretty strange names, but this part made me think that of course God was really the one who named them. Such small details that Milton writes can really help one think deeper into the actually true stories from the Bible. Paradise Lost may however appeal to non-Christians more than the Bible might which could be better than reading nothing at all about the differences of heaven and hell and such. It doesn't seem that the story addresses non-believers and where they stand. Perhaps it was written in hopes of helping those who are already saved.

3. In Paradise Lost Adam first states that him and Eve will be "one flash, one heart, one soul". She was made without having yet sinned and came with "innocence and virgin modesty". Adam admires her beauty in an harmless way, free of lustful desires. The beginning of Milton's story start out similar to that of the Bible's account. Adam and Eve have a relationship that is pure and sinless. The two are in charge of this garden in Paradise and everything seems perfect. However once Eve decides that the two should work separately but Adam is fearful that the enemy might come to her since she is alone. Adam gives in and let's her go showing that he is not the dominant one or head of this relationship. When Eve is tempted, despite the warning given to them she gives in. She is fascinated that the snake can talk and is flattered by his remarks. Adam then decides "through vehemence of love, to perish with her". This shows more of a romantic story than found in the Bible. Adam just decides he will perish too so he can be with Eve for he cannot imagine being alone again. It seems to not phase Adam that he is disobeying God he just decides he's so in love he can't be without her. The two are now attracted to each other out of lust amongst other things. The two argued back and forth on who had caused it "And of their vain contest appeared no end". The couples relationship before they sinned seemed wonderful, but after was turned to bickering and lust.

4. It seems that one of the main themes in Paradise Lost is the desire for obtaining knowledge. It was this desire that caused Eve to sin and give into the serpent's temptations. He tells Eve that through the fruit on the Tree of Knowledge he learned his speech and ability to reason. These abilities appealed to Eve just as they appeal to people today. People believe that the more knowledge you obtain the more successful you will become. In many cases this proves to be true but in some cases inquiring knowledge is negative. People are constantly drawn to constantly learning more and more. Some people feel that have can outsmart anyone, including God. Often times people feel on top of the world when they have attained so much knowledge and don't stop to see that knowledge is given to them from God. The theme of temptation is a contemporary issue amongst people today as it has been ever since the day of Adam and Eve. People are constantly being tricked by lies, but mainly the lie of deceit that comes straight from Satan. We are constantly being deceived and made to think that sin is not as bad as it seems. The serpent sure does make the fruit from the forbidden tree seem pretty amazing to Eve when really she knew before that it wasn't. Temptation is a part of everyday life. Even the temptation from other people such as Adam wanting to be so badly with Eve that he ate the fruit to do so. The issues that can now be seen in society are due to the Fall that Milton describes from the Bible. He shows that changes in life that occurred and have effected us ever since.

John Donne

Donne's Holy Sonnet "Death Be Not Proud" reflects his religious beliefs. Donne grew up in a Catholic home but because of this he was denied a degree at the schools he went to and could not attain a well paying job. It was for these reasons he probably joined the English Church. No matter which church he truly felt connected to it is reasonable to believe through his poem that he felt sure there was a Heaven and that he would be going there. His poem suggests that there is no need to fear death - a common though amongst Christians. If you know there is eternal life in Heaven there is no reason to fear dying. The first lines of this poem are among the most remembered out of the collection of Holy Sonnets. Donne speaks to death telling it not to be proud because it's really not as scary as everyone thinks. He compares death to taking a nap and says that such a nap can simply come from taking drugs. Once a person awakes from this sleep, he says, death will die. Donne's poem is obviously a sonnet and has a mixed up rhyme scheme. It begins with the usual ABBA pattern but ends without it.

Everyman

In the story God speaks about how sin has affected everyone and caused them to forget about his sacrifice. God gets Death to go to Everyman and tell him there will be a final reckoning. Through the story of Everyman the Biblical principle, that every person will have to face a final judgment, is presented. It is important that Everyman keeps the end in mind. Another Biblical truth is seen when Everyman meets with Goods and Good Deeds. Neither of whom can make the trip with him- meaning that no possessions or good works will crossover into the afterlife. There is no need to save up riches on earth but there is no use. Everyman learns from Confession another and most important principle, that he must confess and says "Wash from me the spots of vice unclean, that on me no sin may be seen". The main ideas of “Everyman” actually seem to be Catholic. Knowledge tells Everyman to go the Priest and receive “the holy sacrament and ointment”. To most Catholics the priest is the “go to guy” who sits in between man and God. Everyman could not enter heaven without first receiving these sacraments from the priest. Everyman’s belief that good deeds could get him into heaven is also an idea that man Catholics hold to.

In 1495, the date "Everyman" was written, the Catholic church was still growing more and more powerful. It controlled every aspect of living for those in England. A person was either with the Catholic church or against it. Those who went against the church were heretics and often times received terrible punishments. The Spanish Inquisition (1478) was only one attempt to rid those who were against it- burning thousands at the stake. Everyday life and morals were built under the beliefs of the Catholics. People seemed to almost be brainwashed into only believing the Catholic church. They were taught that they must go through the priest to get to heaven- an idea expressed in "Everyman". An abundance of money was given to the church and despite all of its absurdities no one knew any other way of life. The system was corrupt but there was little anyone could do. I do not believe that the story of "Everyman" is very far off from what some people, specifically Catholic's, believe today. Many Catholics still think that they must go though the priest and confess to him. The priest is given a high or sacred position just like in the story. Outside of Catholicism - the idea that good works can get a person to heaven - is sadly an idea of many today. Some also think that all the riches they accumulate on earth will go with them when they die. Christians even sometimes forget that we are supposed to be concerned with heavenly, not earthly treasure. I really enjoyed the story of "Everyman" and I think that great lessons can be learned from it.

Lanval

1. Lanval doesn't hold a rare title, he is a knight, but unlike the others he was not given land or women from King Arthur. Despite this, he is envied because of his "valor, generosity, beauty and prowess" Lanval is poor and a rather unfortunate fellow. This is was not a usual characteristic of men. It is typical that men were wealthy and had man women flocking after them. However, Lanval was content and "asked for nothing". Lanval is described as well-mannered as he stood to meet the two beautiful damsels. He is also described as not being foolish - a good trait to have I'd say. After meeting his lover and gaining her riches he was still a giving man, despite how he had been treated by Arthur. He "performed many honorable acts" and was quite generous toward others. During the Middle Ages people held a high value of chivalry. Men who were romantic and sought love were admired. This was particularly expected of a knight. Lanval seemed to be charming and was madly in love. He even told the Queen off and boasted about the lover which caused great trouble.It was the deep love that Lanval had that really reflected the ideas of the culture.

2. I do not think that the work is necessarily feminist, but it definitely shows a change in style and ideas due to the new female perspective. The fact that Lanval's lover is rich and beautiful and seems to be doing just fine without a male shows a definite change in ideas. Usually women were depicted as poor and helpless without a man. Because the writer is a female she brought in her ideas that woman did not need a man but in fact sometimes men are the ones who need a woman. In this case Lanval becomes wealthy when he pairs with his lover. In the end she is the one who comes to Lanval's rescue and saves his life. This shows that the hero of a story does not have to be male because a female can do the same jobs. I believe this was the significance of the Lanval being saved by a woman. I think this work is mild compared to other feminist writings and it doesn't seem to bash males but just to change around the literature that was typical of the time. The women were most likely tired of reading the same old stories of the male hero.

Beowulf

When Beowulf is told to fight Grendel's mother he doesn't hesitate to respond in a way most young men would, "I guarantee you she will not get away". With nothing but his reputation and ego on his mind Beowulf prepared to leave, "indifferent to death". He was brave and willing to do what he needed to in order to become a hero for the people. Grendel's mother was hardly a threat to Beowulf but when it came time to fight the dragon things changed. Beowulf said, "I will pursue this fight for the glory of winning". Nothing was going to hold Beowulf back. He had done it once and he was going to do it again. I do not think Beowulf's drive to win had changed but his strength. When he attacks the dragon with his sword he realizes that he is no match for the dragon and is doomed to die. Beowulf's impressive change in character is seen when he makes this realization. He knows that he will die but he continues to fight despite knowing he will receive none of the treasure. He presses on for his people and for Wiglaf. He has a desire to leave something behind for them. He gives thanks to God for allowing him to get the treasure. Unlike before when in his youth he seemed concerned with doing everything for himself, Beowulf dies speaking selfless words.

It is Beowulf's willingness to fight and bravery that makes him the ideal "hero" to those in the Middle Ages. When Beowulf fights Grendel's mother one side of this heroism shines. It is the side of courage and dedication, yet immaturity. He seems to have little hesitation as he prepares to fight and this represents a great hero. Through Beowulf's fight with the dragon a different side to this hero is seen. It is one of obligation or duty for his people, seeing as he is king. At this point Beowulf is older and more mature and knowledgeable. The sacrifice he makes to die for his people is still brave and it is the happiness he feels that he can leave behind the treasure for the people. Beowulf seems to have all the characteristics of the typical hero in that time for he uses his strength and power. Although a fiction story some assume that Beowulf was perhaps a real man's name or is at least in reference to a man of the period. I think that even if it is not true Beowulf certainly portrays what people thought an ideal man should be like- strong, dedicated, and prepared for war at all times. This idea that men should be heroic and courageous is typical of the time.

Canterbury Tales

Right from the beginning of The Wife of Bath's Prologue it is apparent how women were regarded during the Middle Ages. Since the ancient world not much had changed and women were still thought to be good for sex and bearing children. The men were still thought to be wiser and more powerful. However, Chaucer does not seem to portray women in The Wife of Bath's tale in such a way. The Wife of Bath says that women and men were given different parts so that they could be used for intercourse. She mentions that because of this, "a husband shall always be my debtor and my slave". Just like the women in Lysistrata she knows that she has power over men because of their want for sex. This power she could use to make her husbands do as she wished. The Wife of Bath is not ashamed of her past and seems to boast about it. However, this would not be something to brag about during the middle ages. Although women of course were thought to be sort of accessories to men used for sex, they were not to be in control over their husbands according to the church. The church would think that the wives should be submissive. The Wife of Bath also spits out a lot of references to the Bible, although misused, does not reflect how most thought of women of that time. The men were thought to be intellectual where the women were not. It is the pardoner who hears The Wife of Bath and screams out “I was about to wed, but now, for shame, why should my body pay a price so dear?” This was definitely not a thought that crossed a mans mind in the Middle Ages for it was the man who was always in control and the wife that she be in fear.

During the middle ages the theme of courtly love constantly appeared in literature. The Canterbury Tales were no different. In The Miller's Tale Absolon is the character who shows courtly love. It is Alisoun that he longs to be with, although she is married and in love with yet another man who is not her husband. Absolon plays his guitar for her and sings "Dear lady, by your will, be kind to me". He offers to be her slave and brings her wine and cakes and money. He is willing to do anything for Alisoun even if it is only to be her servant and this type of emotion was a popular theme in the writings of that time. There are also several occasions that the religious beliefs from medieval times can be seen in The Miller's Tale. These years were named the "age of faith" and it is apparent that Chaucer incorporated at least some belief in Christ or hint of Catholicism in his work. Throughout the tale there are several saint's that are mentioned. Chaucer mentions that Nicholas sings a song titled "Angelus to the Virgin" about Gabriel telling Mary she will have a son. He writes that Alisoun, "Now in her Christian duty, one saint's day, To the parish church this good wife made her way". This parish church is typical of a episcopal church and reflects the time period. As Alison and Nicholas were together the church bells rang. Although not necessarily key elements to the story the hint of religious practices are still found and reflect the time. Ironically, another characteristic of the values of the middle ages are that of mystery and magic. The carpenter cries for help from a saint who casts out demons and also speaks of a charm to protect his house from these demons.