Chivalry and Religion
This story displays alot of chivalry and says alot about the religion at this time. In the beginning I was not sure how the men and women were going to be interacting but, towards the end of the piece, I came to the conclusion that there was alot of chivalry demonstrated. For example, on page 1680, "That lovely lady comes laughing sweet, Sinks down at his side, and salutes him with a kiss. He accords her fair welcome in courtliest style; He sees her so glorious...". Not only is there a sense of mutual respect and love, but it also seems as if the lady feels safe. True chivalry, courteous behavior, allows the woman to feel valued and safe. This is not only seen on page 1680 but also in the beginning Sir Gawain, when both the men and women were gathered together. The story paints a picture where both men and women are together and their is self-control, respect and maturity. I think the author of this piece was trying to say about Chivalry was that, it is a necessity. Women love to be treated courteously, especially by men. This makes us feel valued and cherished.
Another motif within this piece is that of religion. It seems like me like the religion of this time was of high importance. Found on page 1675 is a rather common line within Sir Gawain. "Then he rose from his rest and made ready for mass." Being that Gawain does rise and get ready for mass displays an actual desire to go to mass and to have his beliefs be apart of his life. Another reason why I think that religion was something more than just a "check list" is because, the name of God is seen very often. For example, "God love you, gracious lady!" or "He commended him to Christ," give us the idea that the religion of this time was rather a lifestyle.
Something else that I notice within this piece is the gathering of the community. The first few pages of this piece describe a social gathering among the royal people of this time period and I find that this is important. The people were getting together and were socializing, which resulted in the men not only learning more about the women but also visa-versa. Because of the socializing, this created a good atmosphere for people to get to know eachother, fellowship and become mature individuals.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Medieval Women
Women "inferior" to Men
The main reason that women were titled "inferior to men" is because of the passage in the Bible, Genesis 3:16, that says, "she shall be under the man's power." Other reasons that people justify thinking women are inferior to men is because of the way we as women were created. God created us to be man's help mate, supporter and encourager. Unfortunately, in many area's in the world, these characteristics of women tend to work towards our disadvantage. I do think that these misconceptions about women are still very prevelant even today. Although we have come so far as a country and we as people have been given such amazing opportunities, I still can see in certain mentalities that women are looked down upon as the lesser gender. I think this is easily detected in the mentality of the men around us. I think that certian men think that we as women are replaceable and are just emotionally driven burdens that are only good for one thing, to give them sex. I do not place all of the responsibility on the men because, we as women have become blinded to who GOD created us to be and are living under the burdens of these lies around us.
I think that we as a people tend to think women are inferior to men because of the culture around us. We live in a culture where value comes from your success. Success depends on how much money you are making. I strongly believe that although we as women are capable and are given the ability to work and make money to support our family, I do believe that a mast majority of that responsibility should be the husbands. Therefore, when a woman is at home with her children or is only working part time, the value the world places on her is less and I tend to think that for some men, they also think less of that woman. This mentality will lead to a road of women feeling inferior to men.
Arguments
Some of the arguments that could easily contradict the stereotypes and negative connotations given to women are either strong or weak. An example of a weak argument, found within the Medieval Women section of our text book, The Norton Anthology, Western Literature, states that women were made from man, and man was made in the image of God. Because women were not made from the image of God but from man, this makes them more inferior to man. This is a very weak argument because, many times within the Bible the word "man" is used in a way that includes all people, man and woman. I believe that when the Word of God says that man was created in the image of God, this is referring to both man and woman.
A strong argument that is contrary to the stereotypes placed on women is the story, Joan or Arc. This young woman, roughly 17 years old, completely opposes the mentality men had toward women, especially in the Middle Ages. As stated in the first parargraph on page 1843, men believed that women were emotion, body, nature and disorderely while men were intellect, culture and self-controlled. Joan of Arc was all 6 of these characteristics. She was a woman who not only was emotion driven but she also was very intellectual. She was self-controlled, brave and strong. This is a very strong argument that contradicts the stereotypes placed over women. No one should categorize another person based on their sex. Both men and women are human beings and because of that, we are able to make decisions and our decisions is what determines our character.
The main reason that women were titled "inferior to men" is because of the passage in the Bible, Genesis 3:16, that says, "she shall be under the man's power." Other reasons that people justify thinking women are inferior to men is because of the way we as women were created. God created us to be man's help mate, supporter and encourager. Unfortunately, in many area's in the world, these characteristics of women tend to work towards our disadvantage. I do think that these misconceptions about women are still very prevelant even today. Although we have come so far as a country and we as people have been given such amazing opportunities, I still can see in certain mentalities that women are looked down upon as the lesser gender. I think this is easily detected in the mentality of the men around us. I think that certian men think that we as women are replaceable and are just emotionally driven burdens that are only good for one thing, to give them sex. I do not place all of the responsibility on the men because, we as women have become blinded to who GOD created us to be and are living under the burdens of these lies around us.
I think that we as a people tend to think women are inferior to men because of the culture around us. We live in a culture where value comes from your success. Success depends on how much money you are making. I strongly believe that although we as women are capable and are given the ability to work and make money to support our family, I do believe that a mast majority of that responsibility should be the husbands. Therefore, when a woman is at home with her children or is only working part time, the value the world places on her is less and I tend to think that for some men, they also think less of that woman. This mentality will lead to a road of women feeling inferior to men.
Arguments
Some of the arguments that could easily contradict the stereotypes and negative connotations given to women are either strong or weak. An example of a weak argument, found within the Medieval Women section of our text book, The Norton Anthology, Western Literature, states that women were made from man, and man was made in the image of God. Because women were not made from the image of God but from man, this makes them more inferior to man. This is a very weak argument because, many times within the Bible the word "man" is used in a way that includes all people, man and woman. I believe that when the Word of God says that man was created in the image of God, this is referring to both man and woman.
A strong argument that is contrary to the stereotypes placed on women is the story, Joan or Arc. This young woman, roughly 17 years old, completely opposes the mentality men had toward women, especially in the Middle Ages. As stated in the first parargraph on page 1843, men believed that women were emotion, body, nature and disorderely while men were intellect, culture and self-controlled. Joan of Arc was all 6 of these characteristics. She was a woman who not only was emotion driven but she also was very intellectual. She was self-controlled, brave and strong. This is a very strong argument that contradicts the stereotypes placed over women. No one should categorize another person based on their sex. Both men and women are human beings and because of that, we are able to make decisions and our decisions is what determines our character.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Antigone
Creons Persistence.
"Is that so? Now by heaven, I promise you, you'll pay-- taunting, insulting me! Bring her out, that hateful-- she will die now, here, in front of his (Haemon) eyes, beside her groom!
According to this section above, found on page 673, lines 852-854, Creon is not only very persistent in killing Antigone because his son Haemon, is defender her, therefore frustrating the King; his father is also persistent because of the Greek values placed on such an offense done by Antigone.
The reason it was so offensive is because Antigone's brother was known as a traitor. In the Greek culture only true hero's deserved a proper burial service. Creon is baffled that someone would not only go against his wishes but would actually honor a traitor. "The hero who came to burn their (the gods) temples ringed with pillars, their golden treasures-- scorch their hallowed earth and fling their laws to the wings. Exactly when did you last see the gods celebrating traitors?" Once Creon found out who actually did this proper, honorable burial service, He was vivid and that is why he was so furious and persistent to put Antigone to death. I do not believe that Antigone actually regrets her specific actions because on page 676 she states, "But still I go, cherishing one good hope: my arrival may be dear to father... my loving brother, Eteocles-- When you died I washed you with my hands, I dressed you all... Nevertheless I honored you-- decent will admit it--well wisely too." She does not regret giving her beloved brother a proper, honorable burial service. Even though she isnt remorseful, she is very frightened and is in despair knowing she and her fiance will never be able to get married.
Sophocles View
One of the main themes within this peice that is heavily stressed is loyalty and possibly, the lack there of. Loyalty within the family is of great importance to Antigone. She is led to her tomb with her head held high knowing she honored her brother and made her parents proud. Because Antigone ended the way it did, Creon is great despair, I believe that Sophocles did favor a particular side. Antigone, although also in great despair, was led to her tomb with dignity for she herself did what she believed was right and moral. As for Creon, He was a King, who only truely did as He pleased. He didnt even take into consideration his son and his love for Antigone. Therefore, I think that Sophocles sided with Antigone and this possibly means that Sophocles himself values the strength individuals have. He respects those who are willing to go against the waters and fight for what they believe in and feel convicted about even though the odds are all against you!
"Is that so? Now by heaven, I promise you, you'll pay-- taunting, insulting me! Bring her out, that hateful-- she will die now, here, in front of his (Haemon) eyes, beside her groom!
According to this section above, found on page 673, lines 852-854, Creon is not only very persistent in killing Antigone because his son Haemon, is defender her, therefore frustrating the King; his father is also persistent because of the Greek values placed on such an offense done by Antigone.
The reason it was so offensive is because Antigone's brother was known as a traitor. In the Greek culture only true hero's deserved a proper burial service. Creon is baffled that someone would not only go against his wishes but would actually honor a traitor. "The hero who came to burn their (the gods) temples ringed with pillars, their golden treasures-- scorch their hallowed earth and fling their laws to the wings. Exactly when did you last see the gods celebrating traitors?" Once Creon found out who actually did this proper, honorable burial service, He was vivid and that is why he was so furious and persistent to put Antigone to death. I do not believe that Antigone actually regrets her specific actions because on page 676 she states, "But still I go, cherishing one good hope: my arrival may be dear to father... my loving brother, Eteocles-- When you died I washed you with my hands, I dressed you all... Nevertheless I honored you-- decent will admit it--well wisely too." She does not regret giving her beloved brother a proper, honorable burial service. Even though she isnt remorseful, she is very frightened and is in despair knowing she and her fiance will never be able to get married.
Sophocles View
One of the main themes within this peice that is heavily stressed is loyalty and possibly, the lack there of. Loyalty within the family is of great importance to Antigone. She is led to her tomb with her head held high knowing she honored her brother and made her parents proud. Because Antigone ended the way it did, Creon is great despair, I believe that Sophocles did favor a particular side. Antigone, although also in great despair, was led to her tomb with dignity for she herself did what she believed was right and moral. As for Creon, He was a King, who only truely did as He pleased. He didnt even take into consideration his son and his love for Antigone. Therefore, I think that Sophocles sided with Antigone and this possibly means that Sophocles himself values the strength individuals have. He respects those who are willing to go against the waters and fight for what they believe in and feel convicted about even though the odds are all against you!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Oedipus the King
Values and Ideas
One of the values seen within Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles, is the value of origin. Within this story, Oedipus was in search of his parents. Found on page 640, lines 1183 is proof of this importance. "Let it burst! Whatever will, whatever must! I must know my birth, no matter how common it may be-- I must see my origings face-to-face." Something else that is proven regarding the gods is that they require a "price." "I cry your wild cries, Apollo, Healer of Delos I worship you in dread... what now, what is your price? some new sacrifice?" What is valued is the favor of the gods. Obviously, being that this people group believes all things come from these gods, it is all in the gods control. Having good happen would corralate to having good favor with them, the gods control their fate.
Hero?
I do not believe that the Greek standard would place Oedipus at the level of a hero. While searching for lines within this piece that would prove this statement, I went to the last words of Oedipus. The last thing we see this King do is plead with his guards. "No- don't take them (daughters) away from me, not now! No no no!" Although in the beginning Sophocles portrayed Oedipus as a hero, someone who had in the past saved the city. On page 613, lines 57-60, the priest attempts to rebuild the Kings stamina by reminded him of the past. "Act, defend yourself, your former glory! Your country calls you savior now for your zeal, your action years ago." Each of the hero's that we have discussed in class have ended with courage and integrity. Yes, Oedipus began his Kingship with heroism, but he was last depicted as a weak, troubled King. Therefore, I dont think that neither Sophocles or his fellow Greeks would title Oedipus as a Hero.
One of the values seen within Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles, is the value of origin. Within this story, Oedipus was in search of his parents. Found on page 640, lines 1183 is proof of this importance. "Let it burst! Whatever will, whatever must! I must know my birth, no matter how common it may be-- I must see my origings face-to-face." Something else that is proven regarding the gods is that they require a "price." "I cry your wild cries, Apollo, Healer of Delos I worship you in dread... what now, what is your price? some new sacrifice?" What is valued is the favor of the gods. Obviously, being that this people group believes all things come from these gods, it is all in the gods control. Having good happen would corralate to having good favor with them, the gods control their fate.
Hero?
I do not believe that the Greek standard would place Oedipus at the level of a hero. While searching for lines within this piece that would prove this statement, I went to the last words of Oedipus. The last thing we see this King do is plead with his guards. "No- don't take them (daughters) away from me, not now! No no no!" Although in the beginning Sophocles portrayed Oedipus as a hero, someone who had in the past saved the city. On page 613, lines 57-60, the priest attempts to rebuild the Kings stamina by reminded him of the past. "Act, defend yourself, your former glory! Your country calls you savior now for your zeal, your action years ago." Each of the hero's that we have discussed in class have ended with courage and integrity. Yes, Oedipus began his Kingship with heroism, but he was last depicted as a weak, troubled King. Therefore, I dont think that neither Sophocles or his fellow Greeks would title Oedipus as a Hero.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Lysistrata
Lysistrata Women
In the beginning of this piece, the women are empowered and are willing to fight for the peace of Greece. Once convinced that enabling peace was a very important thing to the women, they were willing to make a sacrifice, no matter how large. This dedication can be seen within the words of Myrrhine, "... though I must be split in two like a flat-fish, and have half myself removed," she was willing to take part in Lysistrata's plan. The women are ready to take action and do what it takes to have their men be at peace. This is rather consistent with women in the Greek culture back then because, they more than likely were extremely lonesome and in need of their husbands companionship and love. Another way that this is consistent with the women of this time in Greece is because, they were very strong. Being that this culture was war inundated, the women became more war minded. Just as their husbands were fighting for something they so strongly believed in, the women were ready to do the same. In this beginning the women were depicted as strong and committed. Once they found out exactly what they were to sacrifice, things took a turn in the opposite direction. They women were portrayed to be longing for their husbands and their return. They wanted to go back to their homes, take care of their children and share a bed with their husbands. Although I think that there are alot of similarities with Lysistrata of Greece and women in today's world, I also think that when compared to a woman in the 21st century dealing with a man threatening to abuse her, instead of being controlled and manipulated, Lysistrata does not back down. Another way that I think she defy's the stereotypes women hold is her honesty. For example, in the beginning she is vulnerable with the women and explains that she desires to change the ways of the female race. Lysistrata blushes for her sex and asks the women a question: "Don't you feel sad and sorry because the fathers of your children are far away from you with the army?" Many women in today's world do not like to be vulnerable.
Greek Culture
When reading Lysistrata, many cultural values are revealed. Something that the men within the Greek culture valued was victory in war. Also, according to the bottom of page 13, we discover than money is something that is valued. It is of great value to administer the treasury which explains the 2 page argument held between Magistrate and Lysistrata. The last cultural importance I would like to discuss is the value of the gods. Although the women were the ones who so deliberately manipulated the men, credit or in the men's case, anger was given to the Greek goddess, Aphrodite. This is consistent to the Greek culture in that, the gods and goddesses were in able to make things happen as they so desired. The value of victory in war is not only seen within Lysistrata but also the actual culture of Greece. War was something extremely valuable to the Ancient World.
Personal Response
I am glad that you gave us the chance to share our personal response. I think that the play was extremely worldly and did a great job (unintentionally) at not only depicting the ways of the world back in ancient times, but unfortunately this play did a good job depicting the ways of fallen man in the 21st century. While reading, it was difficult not to be excited for the women to step up and take action but, I believe that it showed that the women were just as sex hungry as the men. Although when married it is extremely important to have intimacy with your husband, the mentality taken on by the women was that of control. I disagree with the way the women went about making the men gain peace. There were characteristics within Lysistrata that I value, for example, her ability to lead women to take action for something they believe in, also her courage, but once again, her mind was warped along with the other characters within this piece. Sex is not something that you use as a means to manipulate and control your spouse. Towards the end, I like to believe that the husbands and wives were longing to be with one another aside from just sexual pleasure but rather to be united and exemplify faithfulness and unity within marriage.... I am not exactly convinced though!
In the beginning of this piece, the women are empowered and are willing to fight for the peace of Greece. Once convinced that enabling peace was a very important thing to the women, they were willing to make a sacrifice, no matter how large. This dedication can be seen within the words of Myrrhine, "... though I must be split in two like a flat-fish, and have half myself removed," she was willing to take part in Lysistrata's plan. The women are ready to take action and do what it takes to have their men be at peace. This is rather consistent with women in the Greek culture back then because, they more than likely were extremely lonesome and in need of their husbands companionship and love. Another way that this is consistent with the women of this time in Greece is because, they were very strong. Being that this culture was war inundated, the women became more war minded. Just as their husbands were fighting for something they so strongly believed in, the women were ready to do the same. In this beginning the women were depicted as strong and committed. Once they found out exactly what they were to sacrifice, things took a turn in the opposite direction. They women were portrayed to be longing for their husbands and their return. They wanted to go back to their homes, take care of their children and share a bed with their husbands. Although I think that there are alot of similarities with Lysistrata of Greece and women in today's world, I also think that when compared to a woman in the 21st century dealing with a man threatening to abuse her, instead of being controlled and manipulated, Lysistrata does not back down. Another way that I think she defy's the stereotypes women hold is her honesty. For example, in the beginning she is vulnerable with the women and explains that she desires to change the ways of the female race. Lysistrata blushes for her sex and asks the women a question: "Don't you feel sad and sorry because the fathers of your children are far away from you with the army?" Many women in today's world do not like to be vulnerable.
Greek Culture
When reading Lysistrata, many cultural values are revealed. Something that the men within the Greek culture valued was victory in war. Also, according to the bottom of page 13, we discover than money is something that is valued. It is of great value to administer the treasury which explains the 2 page argument held between Magistrate and Lysistrata. The last cultural importance I would like to discuss is the value of the gods. Although the women were the ones who so deliberately manipulated the men, credit or in the men's case, anger was given to the Greek goddess, Aphrodite. This is consistent to the Greek culture in that, the gods and goddesses were in able to make things happen as they so desired. The value of victory in war is not only seen within Lysistrata but also the actual culture of Greece. War was something extremely valuable to the Ancient World.
Personal Response
I am glad that you gave us the chance to share our personal response. I think that the play was extremely worldly and did a great job (unintentionally) at not only depicting the ways of the world back in ancient times, but unfortunately this play did a good job depicting the ways of fallen man in the 21st century. While reading, it was difficult not to be excited for the women to step up and take action but, I believe that it showed that the women were just as sex hungry as the men. Although when married it is extremely important to have intimacy with your husband, the mentality taken on by the women was that of control. I disagree with the way the women went about making the men gain peace. There were characteristics within Lysistrata that I value, for example, her ability to lead women to take action for something they believe in, also her courage, but once again, her mind was warped along with the other characters within this piece. Sex is not something that you use as a means to manipulate and control your spouse. Towards the end, I like to believe that the husbands and wives were longing to be with one another aside from just sexual pleasure but rather to be united and exemplify faithfulness and unity within marriage.... I am not exactly convinced though!
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