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Medieval Literature and Christian Themes, 2007.
An analysis of the influence that Christianity had on Medieval European literature.
919 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the influence of Christianity on Western (particularly European) literature in the medieval period of world history. It addresses and puts into perspective some of those influences. The paper gives some examples which are found in several published books and journals to illustrate the influence that Christianity had at the time.
From the Paper
"Although the great literary "masterpieces" of Medieval Germany "often lack specific Christian references," the Notre Dame Introduction to Anthropology continues, "the impact of religious values is always present." In the book, The City of God, Christian concepts of "virtue and vice and interlaced with ingredients of a knight's courtly behavior. The Notre Dame narrative admits that there is "controversy among scholars" today as to whether some works which are not "obviously moral or didactic in tone" are expressing "normal medieval" ways of approaching subjects. Still, that having been said, it would be "equally questionable," the narrative asserts, to imagine that any literature, "however secular in conception," could have been written without being permeated by "the prevailing intellectual climate, which was thoroughly Christian.""
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Medieval Epic Literature, 2008.
Looks at gender ideals in medieval epic literature as presented in "Beowulf", "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales".
1,435 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the medieval masculine and feminine ideals are very well represented in three major texts of English literature: "Beowulf", "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales". The main heroes and their female companions in these three texts share very important features, both physically and psychically, which indicates that there is a pattern in medieval literature regarding the essential characteristics of a virtuous individual. The author contends that the main necessary features for the male hero are honor, prowess, valor and purity of heart; however, the female characters, who are also very virtuous, pure and extremely beautiful, are passive characters that serve only as instruments to men's actions.
From the Paper
"The male ideal briefly sketched above is complemented by the female ideal of such characters as Wealhtheow, King Hrothgar's wife in "Beowulf", or Guinevere, King Arthur's wife. Both are perfect beauties and virtuous, gentle persons. However, they are no more than icons, without a real importance. Although Wealhtheow seems to play a role in the poem as she makes two speeches in important moments of the action and performs ritualistic acts, she is actually just an instrument in the very masculine world of the epic. Women do no play a role as such in the medieval society, although they can have some value as emblems for purity and beauty."
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Women in Medieval English Literature, 2002.
An exploration of the role of women in medieval English literature through the examination of different works such as "Beowulf", "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and many other religious and secular lyrics.
1,927 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 12 sources, MLA, AU$ 88.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to recognize the modern vision of an ?empowered woman? in medieval English literature since numerous female characters, both religious and secular, demonstrate a power far beyond the traditional sphere of the subservient woman. Examples of such women are the Virgin Mary who appears in many works and the female characters in "Beowulf".
From the Paper
"The medieval romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight also presents the Virgin Mary as a key figure, able to influence men for the better by personifying Christian values, ?representing spiritual love, chastity, obedience and life?(Arkin). At his moment of testing, Gawain draws strength from the image of the Virgin Mary etched on his shield. Mary?s symbolic power, here, is as important as her power to act ? merely seeing her face is a reminder of the courtly ideal. The effects of Mary on medieval literature, as intermediary, voluntary mother, and representative of Christianity, should not be underestimated."
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Mythical Components of Medieval Travel Literature, 2000.
An explanation for the fantastical components of medieval travel literature.
2,460 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 7 sources, AU$ 107.95
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From the Paper
"To the modern person many of the claims made by the writers of medieval travel literature seem completely outlandish and impossible to believe. The truth is, however, we have a society that has been pretty much isolated from contact with the majority of the world for a fairly long period of time. The peasants of these small hamlets would never venture outside their village for their entire life. Generation after generation of these people tilled the same soil and lived in the same home for hundreds of years and never saw anything even the slightest bit out of the ordinary for these incredibly prolonged periods of time. Therefore, when the first crusaders returned from the east describing things such as camels or travellers to India describing elephants and other such animals that are not normally found in Europe, we have the medieval persons idea of their world being changed dramatically. If such incredible creatures can exist, then why not the people with one gigantic foot that they use to shade themselves from the sun, as represented in the most important Travel literature of the period, the writings of Sir John Mandeville."
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Female Sovereignty in Medieval Literature, 2002.
A comparative analysis of Geoffrey Chaucer's "Wife of Bath" and John Gower's "Tale of Florent".
3,637 words (approx. 14.5 pages), 16 sources, MLA, AU$ 146.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, while the concept and theme of female sovereignty in medieval literature may seem oddly out of place to modern readers, it did, in fact, exist. In particular, it looks at how Geoffrey Chaucer?s ?Wife of Bath?s Tale?, from the "Canterbury Tales", and John Gower?s ?Tale of Florent?, from the "Confessio Amantis" are two tales that involve the theme of female sovereignty. It attempts to show how views of women during Chaucer and Gower?s time were considerably misogynistic and how, even in the church, women were not treated equally. It discusses how the belief that women were essentially evil influenced medieval literature and, while the concept of freedom depended on the social class that women belonged to, they were nonetheless treated as possessions. Although the tales by Chaucer and Gower were similar in story and theme, it may be the ?voices? of the characters of the Wife of Bath and the Confessor that helped shape our views of female sovereignty in literature.
From the Paper
"Gower?s tale shows efficiency of plot, has amusing descriptions of the ?lothy? woman; and the interesting dilemmas that Florent finds himself in; and the skill with which the confessor (narrator) has recast a tale that "clerkes . . . this chance herde" (1.1856) and wrote down "in evidence" (1.1857). ?The tale of Florent is a good instance of Gower?s ability to engage the reader in the circumstances and unfolding of a tale by intelligent filling out the mental action of the main characters and the physical experiences they go through? (Davenport 151). On the surface Chaucer?s tale forms a romance narrative, but Chaucer ?threw that kind of logic out the window when he invented for a romance a narrator who does not believe in it? (Davenport 159)."
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Medieval and Renaissance Literature, 2002.
An analysis of literature from these eras, using works by William Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer as examples.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 3 sources, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper will contrast medieval literature with the Elizabethan literature of the Renaissance and will compare them as well. By understanding these two different literary worlds, we can see how they are similar and how they differ. Three of Shakespeare's sonnets will be compared and contrasted with "The Pardoner's Tale" and the "Knight's Tale" of "The Canterbury Tales" by Chaucer and "Sir Patrick Spence" by Anonymous.
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Gender and Sexuality in Medieval Literature, 2008.
The paper examines women and sexuality in Giovanni Boccaccio's "The Decameron" and Visnu Sarma's "The Pancantantra."
1,799 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 83.95
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Abstract
The paper presents the hypothesis that, contrary to the opinions of several modern historians, the writings of Giovanni Boccaccio's "The Decameron" and Visnu Sarma's "The Pancantantra" represent accurate medieval thought regarding the status and treacherous nature of women. The paper shows how there are vast similarities between the women portrayed in Boccacio's work and those portrayed in "The Panchantantra", with both presenting a decidedly male perspective. The paper relates that the Panchantantra is stronger evidence that these attitudes prevailed in society and were not merely the views of the author himself.
Outline:
Boccacio: An Exploration in Florence, Italy
Sexuality in the Panchantantra
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Giovanni Bocaccio lived in the early to mid 1300s. He was embroiled in the precarious glory that embodied the city of Florence, Italy during that time. Boccacio's works provide the reader with a candid glimpse of politics, morality, and gender roles of the time. There are several differences between beliefs about sexuality in Boccacio's time and in the modern era.
"The first difference is the modern stereotype that males are more likely to experience insatiable sexual desire than women. During the Middle Ages, it was believed that women were much more susceptible to sexual desire than men. Men were considered to be more rational and closer to the spiritual realm than women. Women were considered to be carnal and materialistic, even if they were nuns."
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The Art of Ancient Egyptians and Medieval Christians, 1994.
A comparison of the impact of religious beliefs on artistic and cultural expression, themes and myths.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, AU$ 68.95
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From the Paper
"This paper compares and contrasts the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians with those of the medieval Christians, particularly as those beliefs found expression in the art of each time. The ritual mysticism of Egypt's worship of the sun gave way to a more egalitarian view of the present world and a less literal conception of the next. Christianity offered a broad vision of life after death, promising the possibility of salvation to commoners as well as to the kings, who could expect it as their right in Egypt. The art of this newer religion also allowed for individual expression and interpretation, giving a glimpse of the sweeping historic changes that would eventually transform the world of antiquity into a more complex dialogue between humanity and its gods.
The religion of the ancient Egyptians grew out of their..."
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The Christian vs Non-Christian Approach., 2006.
A review of Christian and Non-Christian solutions to social problems.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the concept of social problems and how they are perceived and dealt with differently by Christians and non-Christians. The types of problems this paper discusses include substance abuse and domestic violence. Both of these subjects are viewed very similarly by modern Christians as well as non-Christians, although historically this was not always the case.
From the Paper
"There are many social problems that plague western society, from alcoholism to serious drug abuse, from teen pregnancy to spousal battery. For as many problems as we have, there are a variety of causes and solutions that have been presented. One way of categorizing the types of solutions offered are as Christian and as non-Christian. It would take volumes to fully list and describe all of the social problems and the multitudinous solutions offered by Christians and non-Christians alike, so only a few will get attention here."
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Christian and Non-Christian Religions, 2002.
Compares differences and some similarities in ritual and belief in non-Christian (African) and Christian (Baptist) religion.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 2 sources, AU$ 34.95
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Abstract
Compares differences and some similarities in ritual & belief in non-Christian (African) and Christian (Baptist) religion. Examines the cultural differences related to these religions for Africans and African-Americans. Historical Baptist ties to slavery. Imposition of Christianity on slaves. Nature of worship. Survival of African religioius spirit and experience in religioius beliefs of African Americans in the U.S.
From the Paper
"There are important differences in ritual and belief between the non-Christian religion (African) described in Marimba Ani's Let the Circle Be Unbroken and the Christian religion (Baptist) described in Albert J. Raboteau's Slave Religion. The most obvious difference is that the Baptist religion has Jesus Christ at its center as God in human form, while the African religions had a number of gods. However, the greatest difference is found in the cultural differences related to those religions. The African religion is a part of a cultural tradition reaching far back in the history of Africans and African-Americans. The African religion symbolizes freedom and independence. The Baptist religion, on the other hand, symbolizes, at least in part, a brief history tied in with slavery and dependence on a culture which was foreign to Africans. In part, the Baptist religion was ..."
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Medieval Societies, 2005.
This paper discusses some works of medieval literature that focus on medieval warrior societies.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper studies Chretien De Troyes "Arthurian Romances", Seamus Heaney's "Beowulf" and other medieval literature that focus on medieval warrior societies, particularly concepts of heroism, ethics and spirituality as illustrated in the works.
From the Paper
"Medieval societies during the era of Beowulf and the Arthurian Romances were undergoing transformation from pagan illiterate societieswhere codes of conduct governed social relations and together with reason brought happiness. The warrior societies described in Chretien de Troyes' "Arthurian Romances" and Seamus Heaney's "Beowulf" along with other literature of the medieval era, show the ideals of reason and code of conduct as the foundation of human happiness. The character of Beowulf clearly expresses this ideal."
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Christianity and Paganism, 2004.
An analysis of the role of Christianity and Paganism in medieval literature.
1,584 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses medieval literature and assesses the role played by Christianity and Paganism. The paper explains that medieval writers used allegory to build a universe that was seemingly as wondrous, but more stable, than that of the pagan imagination. They used concepts with which pagans had long been familiar to construct a world in which individuals could no longer roam alone without the benefit of priests and be safe. Medieval theologians complicated what had once been simple, if at times frightening. One can infer from this that the medieval mind viewed the world as dangerous; magic had been one way to control it. However, it appeared that magic sometimes failed. It would be tempting, then, to accept a belief system that promised it would never fail, at least not in the long run in the next life. That there was no way to empirically prove the truth of this would not have bothered the medieval populace very much; after all, they had been long used to accepting the invisible and ineffable in the far less ordered cosmos of the pagan world.
From the Paper
"While that may have been a simple concept, thousands of years of paganism doubtless made it difficult for the new hierarchy to hold the population's attention on the new approach to life and death. It was probably tempting for people not far removed from the simple, nature-based practices of pagan rites to use those, rather than bring their desires to an intermediary. Instead of having the perceived ability to control their worlds, they were obliged to seek, instead, comfort from a priest whose promise had nothing to do with saving today's crops and warding off starvation by invoking the local corn goddess; the priest's promise was that God would deliver whatever was best for them in good time but, even if the crops failed and they starved, he promised a greater reward in the hereafter."
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Medieval Theocracies, 2007.
This paper explores Christian and Islamic medieval theocracies.
871 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
In this paper the author argues that in order to understand religion and politics during the Middle Ages, it is important to study both Christian and Islamic medieval theocracies. First, the concept of a theocracy is defined. This is followed by a description of Islamic law and religion, which are intertwined. Medieval Islam is then contrasted with Papal Christianity of the same era. Despite their differences, the author explains that Christian and Islamic theocracies shared the same concept of expansion. This is illustrated through Islamic and Christian crusades and forced conversions.
From the Paper
"Before one can appreciate the differences and similarities between medieval Christian and Islamic theocracies, one must have a thorough understanding of the mechanics of a theocratic political system. In a theocracy, "the divine power...governs an earthly human state, either in person...or, more often, via its religious institutional representative(s)..., either replacing or dominating the organs of civil government as clerical or spiritual representative(s) of god(s)." (Wikipedia Contributors). Therefore, technically the Papal States in Italy were Europe's only real example of a theocracy. (Wikipedia Contributors). Likewise, when Medina was ruled by Muhammad and Muhammad's theocracy in Mecca are considered Islam's true early theocracies. (Wikipedia Contributors). However, the reality is that, in medieval times, many countries were practical theocracies. While they were nominally ruled by monarchs or other political figures, these leaders were oftentimes so heavily influenced by religious leaders that it became impossible to separate political and religious doctrine."
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Medieval Birth Control, 2002.
A look at methods of birth control and the social, cultural, judicial, scientific, and religious views towards it, in both medieval Islamic and Christian societies.
3,081 words (approx. 12.3 pages), 16 sources, APA, AU$ 130.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the use of birth control in Islamic and Christian regions during medieval times, its prevalence and acceptance in Islamic regions versus Christian regions, and the social and cultural implications surrounding it. Through an analysis of the reasoning of medieval Islamic jurists regarding contraception in contrast with the writings of St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, it shows how Islam permitted birth control, and Christianity did not. It looks at how Islamic rulings were based primarily on reason and logic and were rooted in a strong understanding of the principles of biology, not religious fervor. In contrast, it shows how, tragically, countless women died in Europe because Church leaders denounced contraception and kept from the public contraceptive means.
From the Paper
"Knowledge of the biology of reproduction is one important factor affecting attitudes on birth control and abortion. Another is the nature of human life, for example, when does the fetus have a soul? The Islamic argument for the permission of contraception is a fascinating case where biological and scientific knowledge directly influenced ethical attitudes. Medieval Arabic literature, such as treatises on medicine, materia medica, and popular literature treated both contraception and abortion as two aspects of birth control. They recognized the difference between the two, and could distinguish between preparations that would work only as a contraceptive, as an abortifacient, or would work for both purposes."
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Medieval Female Mystics, 2007.
An analysis of medieval female mystics and their impact on Christianity.
3,261 words (approx. 13.0 pages), 13 sources, APA, AU$ 135.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses female mysticism and visionary women in the Middle Ages. The paper begins by discussing how Christianity views women in general and then focuses on Mechtild of Magdeburg and the Helfta Community and the impact that they had on Christianity. The paper ends by describing medieval monasteries and their mystics.
Table of Contents:
The Feminine Mystique of the Middle Ages
Mechtild of Magdeburg and the Helfta Community
Love as the Power of the Mystic
The Medieval Monasteries and Their Mystics
From the Paper
"The female visionaries and mystics from these monasteries expressed a slightly different point of view than their male counterparts. Although they kept the stress placed on physical suffering and mortification, their message was less severe and carrying more love and more emotional involvement in the world. The message of love was stressed particularly by the community of women from Helfta, a family monastery where enlighten minds allowed the rigorous St. Gertrude and the tormented Mechtild as well to live and to write about their experience of ecstasy."
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Outsiders of the Medieval Imagination, 2001.
A discussion of Medieval spirituality and imagination that guided Medieval people's belief system and differentiated between conformer and non-conformer.
5,055 words (approx. 20.2 pages), 7 sources, AU$ 184.95
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Abstract
A look at the Medieval imagination. The author discusses the idea of spirituality of the Medieval people that considered outsiders as non-conformists, or people that were viewed as sub-human (people with abnormalities etc.) and used the imagination to differentiate between the real and the spiritual world.
From the Paper
"The idea of an outsider is present in all medieval works, this is a society of conformists and those non-conformists were all looked upon as outsiders; but what about the idea of outsiders that come not from the community but from another invisible world altogether. The idea of monsters have existed from ancient times, and even to the modern day with bogey men, but in the middle ages we find a plethora of monsters of all shapes and sizes. One need only look in the elaborately illuminated bestiaries of the medieval period to discover creatures from every realm of the imagination, from the saintly unicorn to the demonic dragon. These creatures, widely influenced by pagan mythology but with their own Christian twists, served an important part of the concept of the medieval persons concept of otherness. If the limit of otherness was not defined by only the human spectrum there was no limit to the amount of difference that a medieval person could differentiate between themselves and those seen as sub-human, such as Jews, heretics, and lepers."
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