12/8 Hamlet (#14)

Ophelia’s Madness
Ophelia goes mad because she is without direction and guidance. Never making decisions for herself, she received guidance found the men in her life, that have now left her. Ophelia sings popular songs of the day to herself. Songs have a lost love theme, reviling her desire to find comfort in Hamlet. At the end of Act IV Ophelia, in her in sanity climbs a willow tree. Accidentally, falling in to the river below, Ophelia continues to sing till her water heavy dress pulls her under. Her parents later explain that she didn’t commit suicide, but climbed the tree for fun and then thought the fastest way down was jumping in the river. Sadly, she forgot how to swim and decided to sing to get the attention of her would be rescuers. The explanation of an accident death allowed for a Christian burial, that would have been otherwise prohibited if she had intentionally drown herself. Ophelia’s death can be seen as a symbolic representation of the kingdom. The kingdom has been stripped of its former leader by Claudius and is now moving without direction, foreshadowing the kingdoms future demise.

Hamlet’s Madness 2

The question will always be posed, is or when does Hamlet become mad. I do not believe Hamlet to ever, even now in Act IV, to be truly mad. His madness is a tool to distract the present King and lower King Claudius’ guard. Hamlet’s actions leading up to his death, parallel that of Ophelia’s. Ophelia, in her insanity, does not recognize the danger she has put herself in. I actually believe she did not commit suicide, but in her madness accidentally happened to drown, this statement is honest and without sarcasm. Insane people are often the cause of their own demise, sorry for the tangent. Similarly Hamlet, in his sanity because he was only pretending insanity, does not realize the danger he has put himself in by accepting Laertes duel. Remember, Hamlet acceptance is not done in rashness of insanity, he did so in sane ignorance falling victim to Claudius’ well thought out plan.

12/3 Hamlet (#13b)

Hamlet’s Madness 1

Hamlet’s madness from the beginning held purpose and was fully under his control. It is evident that he wears his insanity willingly because he warned the guards, after first meeting his father’s spirit, that they should not be alarmed by his future actions foreshadowing his acting of madness. In addition, his plan to verify his uncle’s gilt, could not be done by a mad man. Such a plan could only be conceived by a rational and intelligent person. Again, Hamlet proves sane when he drops the mad act for his mother as he explains his father’s murder. The purpose of his acting mad is not explicitly explained, only that it is part of his plan to revenge his father’s death. It is reasonable to think that it was meant to make his uncle let his guard down.

Ophelia & Gertrude

Gertrude, the queen, is quick to use Ophelia to help lift her son’s spirits. When Gertrude thinks her son has gone mad from a broken heart, she is quick to throw Ophelia back at him. She does not really care about Ophelia, but only for her son.

It is hard to get an idea of how Hamlet feels about his mother and Ophelia because he has been playing mad around them. Before he started his act of insanity he sent love letters to Ophelia, so he probably loves her. It seems he loves his mother, but holds her accountable in someway to his father’s death.

Play within a Play

Shakespeare had Hamlet stage a play in his play. The play-within-a-play partially adds realism to Shakespeare’s play. Just as television shows have actor watching television or characters in books often read. The play Hamlet puts on also alludes to the act he has been putting on, convincing everyone of his insanity.

The speeches and actions reflect poorly on the events in the kingdom of Denmark. They demonstrate the temporarily good, but unstable state of things.

After the King sees his actions replayed on stage he is convicted of his sin and retreats to pray. Hamlet anticipates the Kings reaction and believes it to be clear evidence the ghost told him the truth. The Kings reaction actually puts Hamlet in a good mood. He now knows that he truly did not hallucinate his father’s spirit. In the back of Hamlet’s mind he might have wondered, if while acting mad, if he might really be mad. The Kings reaction evaporated any doubt Hamlet might have had in himself and strengthened Hamlets resolution to revenge his father’s death.

12/1 Hamlet (#13a)

Opening Scene

The opening scene is one of quiet eery stillness. Francisco describes the nights watch as “bitter cold” explaining that it has been a quiet watch “Not a mouse stirring.” In this scene the spirit of the old king crosses Marcellus and Bernardo as they stand guard. The ghost of the king drive the mood of the scene to one supernatural intrigue and mystery. In the fourth scene the ghost reappears. Horatio is more terrified now crying out to the heavens in fear. He believes the ghost’s intensions are to destroy Hamlet either through leading him to danger or as an instrument of insanity. On the other hand Hamlet believes the ghost to be connected to his own fate and shows less fear.

The Ghost

When the ghost finally speaks to Hamlet he reveals himself as Hamlet’s father. The old king’s spirit explains he was murder by his brother who now holds the kingdom and has taken his wife. Hamlet is informed, his father’s spirit cannot rest until there is revenge for his murder and the kingdom is brought to order. Hamlet takes the news quite well, having just conversed with a ghost claiming to be his father and having his world flip upside down with family drama and murder plots. Much better than would be expected of a person in his situation.

After his supernatural family, conference Hamlet tells the guards to tell no one what happened that night. He warns them not to be surprised of his actions in the near future. It is evident he means to put his father’s spirit to rest, taking revenge on his uncle and reclaim the kingdom.

Extra Credit

Polonius cares for his children greatly and does his best to guide them through advice. Laertes and Ophelia respond well to their father’s advice. Ophelia and Laertes act as sibling do, though not necessarily how their supposed to. Laertes is given advice from her brother that she is slow to accept, believing him to be a hypocrite not taking his own advice.

11/19 Paradise Lost (#12b)

Devil’s Consult

John Milton expands the story of the fallen angel’s plot against God in Book 2 of “Paradise Lost.” In Milton’s telling the angel’s do not all agree on one plan of action in dealing with their sinful states, but debate the issue amongst themselves. First, their is the question should they seek to regain God’s favor? The majority decide not to. Second, how should they go about their revenge on God. They could create a heaven in hell or rise up in a war like battle. They decide to torture and turn God’s creation against him.

Parallels can be seen between the thoughts and actions of the devils and that of humans. Humans must decide first to follow God or not. If, the decision is made not to follow God it may be because they seek a heaven on earth and there is no need for God when you already have a heaven. Other times human’s are angry with God and will seek to rebel as the fall angels did.

The scene Milton creates gives further insight into the Biblical account by making it easier to imagine. Describing the devils as holding regret for there actions humanizes them. Giving the devils as a group a level of indecision and as individuals unique personalities it is easier to envision the devils as more of a fallen people or even lost humans.

God vs. Milton

Milton amplifies the account of Adam and Eve in Genesis by adding details to the story no included in the Biblical telling. Milton sets up the scene with the the serpent, more than the Bible, by showing how Adam and Eve interacted as a couple and giving them personalities.

One of the facts Milton included in his telling is Adam and Eve’s knowledge of the devils. In the Bible the fact the couple knew or did not know of the devils is omitted. Milton made it clear that Adam was away from Eve when she was tempted. While in the Bible the couple is together. Milton explains the reason that Adam took the fruit. The Bible just tells of him taking the fruit without an explanation of Adam’s motivation.

Milton’s telling of Genesis was entertaining, that is all. Much of what Milton added we can not know is true or false because the Bible simply does not go into further detail. As far as stories go Milton’s was a pretty good one.

11/19 The Prince (#12a)

Human Nature

Niccolo Machianelli in his work “The Prince” demonstrates the values and practices a good ruler should have . Machianelli believes that man is by nature dishonest. It can not be said that he believes man to be evil, because he at no time describes lying, cheating and manipulating as evil. He argues, a ruler can not be expected to be honest, when his subjects and citizens are not honest.

Manhianelli came to this understanding by observing the rulers of his day and rulers of the past. He uses Alexander as an example stating “Alexander did nothing else than deceive men” and ruled well. The important thing is not to have all the virtues, Manhianelli explains, but it is“very necessary to seem to have them.”

Virtues

Manhianelli contrasts and compares the value of different virtues. First, he evaluates the value of being liberal vs. stingy. To appear to be liberal is important for the up and coming prince, but dangerous for the ruling prince. To be too liberal will force a prince to give too much too his people. Being so generous will create a people too dependent on their ruler and will force the prince to raise taxes. So, it is better to be stingy. A stingy leader will be scorned for his selfishness, but does not create an unstable rule that might threaten his position. Second, he examines the value of being loved vs. feared. He explains that to be loved is a great position to be in, but an unstable one. For men will turn their back on love when in need or for selfish gain, but men find it much harder to ignore fear for their own gain and are more likely to be loyal in fear. In both cases Manhianelli gives strong arguments for his opinions.

I think while fear is more dependable and easier to gain, love is more powerful. Fear will motivate a man to comply to preserve his life at the threat of death, while love will drive a people to comply to the point of death.

Extra Credit

1. If Manhianelli had written about the rulers depicted in the ancient world he would have thought them to have been to ideological. Often the ancient ruler brought about their own demise out of gilt or shame of past sin. Manhianelli repeatedly states that a prince should do anything and everything he can to stay in power and there is no reason to be convicted of wrong doing because those acts are necessary to stay in power. Oedipus brought about his own fall, removing his eyes out of shame of his past sin. Manhianelli would have thought this needless. He would have said “so you killed your dad and married your mother, so what. Now your King, you can do whatever you want.”

2. If, Machiavelli had studied the good leaders of scripture who found more value in being virtuous than looking virtuous, he probably would have thought them to have lived in a more idealogical world. He would likely explain, if the virtues a prince should appear to have were truly used uncompromisingly, it would be political suicide and impossible in his day of political deceit and manipulation.

11/12 John Donne (#11b)

Holy Sonnet 14

“Holy Sonnet 14” is a love narrative from John Donne. It is apparent Donne is writing to the Christian God when he addresses the “ three-personed God.” Donne is crying out for God to break him completely, that he might be brought closer to God. Donne knows that while he is seeking God, he also has reservations in his faith, stating he is “betrothed unto your enemy” still falling in sin that pleases the devil rather than God. Donne pleads for God to tear him from evil stating “Divorce me, untie or break that knot again.” He wishes that he might be made a prisoner of God, taken captive in God’s love.

Donne’s use of imagery depicts his passionate pursuit of God in a sexual manner. The sensual prospective Donne uses was characteristic of the renaissance.

Flea Bait

John Donne describes love in two of his poems “The Flea” and “The Bait.” While, the poems both are centered on love, they do approach the subject from different directions, though, they are not without similarities. Both poems use elements of nature to illustrate love. In the first poem, “The Flea”, a flea is symbolic of love. In the second poem, “The Bait,” the relationship between the fish and the bait represents love. Both poems describe one individual tempting another’s heart. “The Flea” has a male narrator attempting to seduce a woman. “The Bait” has a male narrator describing a seductive woman as bait on a hook, enticing him. Both poems end on a down note. In “The Flea” the woman squishes her suitor’s flea, suggesting she will not succumb to his persuasion. In “The Bait” a fish, representing the narrator, falls to the lure of a woman, represented by bait. Through two different poems, John Donne achieves two different and informative perspectives on love.

11/10 The Praise of Folly (#11a)

Folly

Folly is the goddess that celebrates the bliss of ignorance. Folly describes her self as the ruler over the “greatest lords” because all of humanity, and even the gods, worships her in their acts of foolishness and stupidity(1923).

Folly is the daughter of Plutus. Folly brags of her father being the governor of “war, peace, kingdoms” including “all the affairs , public or private” (1922). He is the god of wealth and abundance, which is the desire of everyone. So, over everyone he rules.

Folly greatly pities the wise-men. The wise-men fight to rid themselves of emotion to think all the more logical, but in doing so they loose their humanity and become miserable. Folly explains it is the academics that suck the marrow out of life, causing so much grief and strife. On the other hand the man that rejects logic and embraces Folly finds pleasure in pain, perceiving loss as gain. Folly gives the example of the foolish man, who thinks his ugly wife beautiful or his broken home delightful.

I do not think that Folly’s character is meant to represent or symbolize something as much as she is supposed to draw attention to an observation. The observation is how the happiest people are the ignorant ones without a care in the world. While the educated population is bogged down with the weight of reality.

Christian Folly

The author, Erasmus, goes out of his way to point out how especially ridiculous the Christian faith is in all of its folly. Interestingly, the character Folly does not applaud Christians, as she does to other fools, but insults and sort of rebukes them, because their foolishness is so outrageous. One problem Folly has with the faith is that the Christian God encourages ignorance, because Christians have no reason to think because God will think for them.

Though, Erasmus does point out true flaws in the way many Christian practice their faith that Christians should take note of. One of the flaws is when Christ’s mother is exalted above Him in worship and praise. Another, is when saints are given a position of responsibility and Christian pray to that saint for help in their area of responsibility. When it would makes sense to just pray to God, because God has not delegated roles of power to any of the saints.

11/5 Don Quixote (#10b)

Reality vs. Illusion

Every person has influence on those around them. The degree to which a person has impacted another is usually hard to judge, but not in Don Quixote’s case. The reason for the ease in judging Quixote’s influence is all that is to be measured is the time it takes a thing, or people, to resume their normal routines once Quixote has left. For Quixote always leaves a wake of madness. In one example a master is only momentarily influenced by Don Quixote. The man stops whipping his servant at Don Quixote’s command. Once Quixote leaves the master continues his punishment on his servant. In a second example Sancho’s life is influenced greatly. Sancho, at Quixote’s request, leaves his family to join Quixote on his adventures. In either case Quixote’s skewed perception of reality at least momentarily stuns others out of their routines.

Within Quixote’s time of influence, all conduct and courtesies are thrown out the window and for that period often others write themselves in Quixote’s chivalrous tale. An example is when the inn keeper describes himself a king to Quixote, explaining how he came to rule over his present castle.

Character

Don Quixote is both a tragic and comedic character. He is a tragic because everything he does threatens his life and he never once succeeds at anything he sets out to do. He is a comedic because his method of failure usually involves a level of slap stick humor.

As a tragic character Quixote embraces the motif nobility. He imagines a noble lady, who he ride on behalf of. As a Comedic character he illustrates the motif of reality vs fantasy. As Quixote chooses his own reality he fall into deeper levels of fantasy.

Extra Credit

I believe Quixote not to be insane, but to be making a conscious choice to live in the fantasy world of knights. I am convinced that he is sane because at his death he is able to come to terms with reality and get his house in order.

Over the course of the novel Quixote’s failures slowly begin to change his behavior. Quixote is extremely resilient, but it is his repeated failures that finally draw him back to reality.

11/3 Don Quixote (#10a)

(My Presentation)

10/29 Travel and Discovery (#9b)

Mandeville

Sir John Mandeville describes three natives of the different lands he visits, including the Amazonia, Ethiopia and the many isles. First, the land of Amazonia is a land of only women. Sir Mnadeville describes the land free of men filled with fierce warrior women who have no need for men. I simply do not have the writing capability to compress the hundred pages needed to skim the surface of the ridiculousness of this fanciful idea into two or three sentences. It would be easy to write, “yes this could be possible,” but no. It is a big world, if it were possible than it would have been done, somewhere. Next, is the country Ethiopia in the land of Tarmegyte. Ethiopia is described as being filled with people who have one gigantic foot and are born yellow, but turn a dark black with age. While, I have not seen a place at all resembling the one Sir Mandeville describes here, it is easy for me to imagine. It is possible for such a group to exist should God had desired such a group, it just so happens he did not. Finally, Sir Mandeville describes the many isles he visited. The different isles are occupied by many different beasts and monsters, one race of creatures per isle. The creatures ranging from giant cyclopses to small dwarfs.

Sir Mandeville’s destinations are often exaggerations of other places. Ethiopia is a country mentioned in the Bible and it is populated with a group of people with dark skin. Sir Mandeville adds interest to the story by adding the idea of the people being mono-peds. While, the creature of the isles are likely to be taken from ancient literature.

I enjoyed Sir Mandeville’s story of exploration. My friends and I often put in to practice the idea, “if, you do not have anything interesting to say, make something up”.

Columbus

As Columbus began his journey it is likely he expected to find conquerable lands rich with resources. If, he had thought “I bet there is only poor infertile and unconquerable land to be discovered” he in all likelihood would not have made the trip.

Columbus’ faith is a major component to his character. He repeatedly gives God the credit for all that he sees and brings back.

Extra Credit

The largest difference between Sir Mandeville’s and Columbus’ records of exploration is that Columbus returned with proof for the existence of the places he wrote about. There is not evidence that Sir Mandeville journeys.

Sir Mandeville and Columbus do have some similarities in their writing. The two writers did take there time to explain the distance and direction of travel. Explaining their route and course adds a level of realism and authenticity. Both writers also explained what goods could, if any, be taken from the land. Profit was the main goal in both cases.

10/27 Canterbury Tales (9a)

Wife of Bath

According to the “Wife of Bath” from the Canterbury Tales a women's ultimate desire is to “rule and government above Their husbands” (1753).

The theme is displayed when Bath’s wife gives him the opportunity to choose her to be a loyal wife or a beautiful wife. In giving Bath a choice she shows that she is the one in power, but is offering up some of her authority to her husband. The theme is further validated when Bath returns the choice to his wife. Giving the choice back to her gives her so much pleasure that she becomes both the loyal and beautiful wife.

I think that many women desire to rule over their husbands, but that it is not likely the strongest desire. The fact that it is so prevalent to observe the wife ruling her family demonstrates that many women desire it, otherwise they would not do so. I can only assume that the strongest desire for a woman is to be loved. I gather the assumption from Ephesians 5:25, here husbands are called to love their wife’s. Love is also the ultimate theme in all women’s film, literature and conversation. I have not done a in-depth research, but I am simply not blind and dumb to all of the advertising all women are so easily soled to. Weather it be a diamond ring or a purse it will be successfully advertised with the theme of love.

Pardoner’s Tale

The moral of “The Pardoner’s Tale” is something close to money is the root of all evil. The Pardoner warns against gambling, lustfulness and gluttony, but it is greed the kills the characters he tells about.

The story teller illuminates more about the Medieval era than the story he tells. As a a pardoner the story teller receives money for the work of pardoning the sins of others. Paying for a pardon was not uncommon and shows the dependence the people of this era had on the church.

Extra Credit

There are a couple of feministic ideas in “The Wife of Bath.” The first is the fact that the tale revolves around the fact that a man has no idea what women desire. The second is Bath’s wife calling the shots for Bath, telling him how it is going to be and giving him a horrible ultimatum.

While “The Wife of Bath” is strongly feminist, it actually puts women in a better light than is expected for the Medieval era. Bath’s wife is characteristically shown as a manipulator, but when Bath treats her well she gives Bath everything he could ask from her.

10/22 Everyman (#8b)

The play “Everyman” helps depicts human nature and the source of strength everyman tends to seek before realizing to power and strength is only found in God.

Human Nature

The character Everyman, who symbolically represents every man, seeks a companion as he journeys closer to God. Never does Everyman seek God as a companion. Instead Everyman tries to get undependable characters like Beauty, Strength and Discretion to go with him to God. Here Everyman shows how unwilling man is to rely on God, instead relying on fleeting earthly values. God is depicted as disappointed. His foolish servant Everyman travels through his journey knowing he is to meet God at the end, but never tries to build a relationship with God along the way.

Friends

Everyman’s friends signify the things from which every man draws comfort and strength as he journeys through life. The characters Beauty, Strength, Discretion and Five Wits show how useless it is to put faith in things that are destined to fail. The values the characters represent have no eternal value and will leave Everyman standing alone at the end of his journey. Everyman’s friends leave him in much the same order the values his friends represent leave an aging man. First Beauty and second Strength as Everyman continues his journey. Then, Discretion and Five Wits as Everyman comes closer to the end of his Journey.

Extra Credit

“Everyman” reflects the historical and cultural influences in the Medieval era by showing the most common earthly vises that the people put value in, those being beauty, strength and etc. If, this story was rewritten to day the characters Fame and Fortune would likely be added, being the most common values sought after for comfort and fulfillment today. Though, “Everyman” still holds great value to day since fame and fortune have no more eternal worth than discretion and five wits.

10/20 1001 Nights (#8a)

“1001 Nights” holds the title as the most “widely known... Arabic literature.” It has achieved the title, in part, because of its uses of heroism and the incorporation of motifs related to forgiveness and reconciliation.

Heroism

The Vizer’s daughter creates a plan to end the Kings needless killing of wives. The King has been marrying at night and having her put to death at dawn, so his heart is never broken. The Vizer’s daughter plans to marry the King and prolong her life by telling him stories concluding the night with “Tomorrow night I shall tell something even stranger and more wonderful than this” (1785). Each succeeding morning the king must keep his wife a live so he can hear the story’s conclusion the next night. The Vizer’s daughter is committed to the plan telling her father she will save “the people or perish” (1778). The Vizer fears for his daughter, but she tells him he must let her try “even if he kills me” (1779).

The daughters actions are selfless and noble. She is willing to risk her life so that others may live. Through her bravely and self-sacrifice the daughter displays the qualities of true heroism. She shares other heroic qualities consistent to the definition of a medieval hero. The daughter is born of a common birth and displays good moral character as she protects the women of the kingdom from their King.

Motifs

Throughout the daughter’s stories the themes of betrayal and revenge complement the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. In the prolong betrayal is evident when the brothers are turned on by their wives. Much later reconciliation will come for the broken hearted King when the Vizer’s daughter helps him to forgive. In The Story of the Merchant and the Demon, betrayal is evident in each of the three men’s stories to the demon as well as forgiveness. The stories and their examples of forgiveness is what helps the demon, so willingly return his claim to the life of the fisherman.

10/15 Medieval Lyrics (#7b)

By observing medieval poetry the ideas and aspirations of that time periods can be observed. To common theme in medieval poetry are religion and love. The theme religion is displayed in the piece “A Hymn to Holy Women” and love is evident in the the work “Aubade” as well as “A Lover’s Prize.”

Religion

As the title suggests the work is a tribute to women. To give credit to women for anything other than being gossiping temptresses is an uncommon thing for the middle ages, which is precisely what this peace does. The poem “A Hymn to Holy Women” describes the devil’s work to keep the world from salvation, then becomes an insulting message to the devil because girls are defeating him. The work begins describing a ladder reaching “up to heaven” (line 1). Below the ladder is a dragon that “stands on guard” (line 5). Continuing, it is explained that one can climb the ladder that the dragon watches. At the top of the ladder is a boy “radiant, a golden” with a bough in hand (lines 15-6). Here the ladder represents salvation, the dragon stand for the devil and the boy is Christ Jesus. To reach the Jesus at the summit us salvation past the devil. The author makes the comment that for women the climb is made “made so free” (line 19). The author begins to insult the devil saying even though he once deceived a woman with a serpent, it was a woman who was used to bring Christ into the world. It is women that raise Godly sons for Christ.

In addition to shedding a more positive light on women, this piece also is a good showcase for various poetic tools. Imagery is found when screen with dragon guarded ladder with “radiant” boy at the top (line 19). Figurative language is found in the form of a metaphor, when the devil is compared to a “attentive dragon” (lines 3-4).

Love

While both “Anonymous” and “A Lover’s Prize” describe love, the two poems tell a very different side of the experience. “Anonymous” describes the passion filled moment shared by two lovers who’s only regret is that the moment can not last forever as the dawn threatens to illuminate their affair. In contrast “A Lover’s Prize” is the voice of a woman longing for her lover to return and take her husband's place. The first poem love is a thing shared between two people, but in the second poem love is longing for something out of reach.

Medieval courtly love followed rules that can be observed in these to poems. First, both women were loving men other than their husbands. Courtly love is not restrain to marriage, but thrives in secret affairs. In “Anonymous” the lovers had to leave one another at day brake. The level of secrecy is consistent with courtly love the rarely survive the public spot light. In “A Lover’s Prize” the narrator believes she is entitled to her lover. The claim of entitlement is also consistent for in courtly love, for no one should be deprived of love.

10/13 Medieval Women (#7a)

Women have not always received the same treatment or respect as they do to day. In the medieval ages many scholars believed women to be inferior.

Misogynists

One justification for the idea that women were “defective male[s]” was that man was made in the image of God and woman was only “made from man” (1843). A second justification is that all women are “guilty through Eve’s transgression” (1844). Women in the medieval ages were also thought to be “chronic and even dangerous talkers” (1844).

The belief of women inferiority is less prevalent today. There are circles and small groups where sexist thinking prevails, but their influence on culture is minimal. In todays culture, a woman does not have to endure such judgement and if she should find herself in one of the backward sexist circles, it is likely she subjected herself to their influence. Usually, the act of subjecting to the circles influence is unnecessary and there is no benefit to receiving the circles criticism or even abuse.

Feminists

One argument against women inferiority in the medieval ages is that woman was not made from man’s head or foot, “but from his rib” (1844). The rib is ment to signify the “social union of man and woman,” not emphasize man or woman dominance.

The rebuttal to the inferior women argument is stronger. The idea is more consistent with the teaching in the bible.

While at first glance the inferior women argument appears oddly sound, it is inconsistent with the rest of Christ's teaching.

10/6 Beowulf (#6)

One of the most recognized middle age works of literature is that of “Beowulf.” “Beowulf” was written about 850 in an Anglo-Saxon language, the work describes the incredible feats of the warrior ,and later the king, Beowulf. The piece has been acknowledged for its entertaining tale, captivating action ,but often the works ability to bring the character Beowulf to life has been over looked. The seemingly life like character, in a more than fanciful story, is made all the more real through the evolving an changing character given to Beowulf.

Character Changes

Beowulf is not the same person at the end of his life. In the hero’s old age it is evident that his experiences and growing wisdom have shaped a much different person than that of the monster seeking younger warrior he once was.

As a young man readying himself for battle, Beowulf is described as “donned his war-gear, indifferent to death” (line 1443). At this time in his life he is hungry for battle and eager to test his medal. As he approaches battle and a likely death “he never lost heart” (1530).

As a older and weathered king, Beowulf is slower to fight. He does so out of responsibility to his kingdom. No longer does Beowulf seek a challenge ,but he still answers one when it is brought to him. When a dragon threatens his kingdom Beowulf honorably ,but with less vigor than he once had defends his people. The older King announces the he was “always there at the front of the line” and now he shall again “fight like that for as long as I live” (2498-99). Admitting his old age and lessened strong, Beowulf proclaims “as king of the people I shall pursue this fight” (2511-12).

Heroism

Beowulf is and interesting hero for the middle ages. Like many of the periods literary heros, Beowulf displays valor, loyalty, and bravery. Coming to the aid of a struggling kingdom valor is visible in Beowulf. Defending his own kingdom to the death loyalty is displayed. Running head long in to danger time and time again bravery is evident in Beowulf. Though, he also has similarities to the Greek heros. His fall is brought on by his own short comings and his sins ultimately fashion his own undoing. Beowulf’s failure to kill Grendel’s mother when he had the chance (I saw the movie) brings a dragon to his kingdom. The dragon is Beowulf’s final battle from which he could not return.

10/1 Sir Gawain (#5b)

“Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” is one of the great lays that was given to us by the middle ages. The lay holds many honors, it is known for being responsible for the revival of alliteration and other fading poetic tools during this period. The tale also reveals much of what chivalry meant to a knight.

Games

In “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” games are used as the medium for explaining chivalrous values. The games are more than entertaining forms of competition ,but tools that help to evaluate Sir Gawain’s character. The games put Sir Gawain’s in a position of life and death. Here he is tested to keep his word and hold to his honor even if it cost him his life.

The author is able to reflect what in this eyes would have been a noble knight. Sir Gawain is not perfect, but has more honor than most.

Tests

Sir Gawain’s honor and word are tested. In the first game, Sir Gawain after a series of events must lower his head so that it may be willingly cut off. The knight passes this test saying “Strike once more;I shall neither flinch nor flee;” and he continues by saying “But if my head falls to the floor, There is no mending me!” (lines 2280-84). During the second test Sir Gawain does not fair so well. He is asked to trade what he receives each day with what ever his host receives. Sir Gawain was given a girdle that he thought may keep him from death. Gawain kept the girdle to himself not exchanging it with his host. Sir Gawain explains he kept it that he might “endure a deadly dint, and all defense denied” (lines 2041-42).

Sir Gawain’s life was spared from the first game because of his good faith. When it was discovered that Sir Gawain had failed the second game his host forgave him. The host knew Sir Gawain was only human and was still a great knight.

9/29 Marie de France (#5a)

From the middle ages emerges an interesting library of work. An age also known as “an age of faith” and “an age of chivalry” (1143). This time period stretching from approximately 500 to 1500, produced such work as “Beowulf,” “The Divine Comedy” and Marie De France’s lays (1144). Marie De France’s lays have been described as being “romances, novelistic narratives” filled with stories of “adventure and—above all—love” (1316). Two of Marie De France’s most interesting lays are Lanval for its Biblical parallels and Lau ̈stic for its good use of symbolism.

Lanval & Joseph

Lanval and the Queen share some parallels to the biblical story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. Both Lanval and Joseph deny the company of a lady who is throwing herself at her desired man. Both the men, Lanval and Joseph, use the excuse that they do not want to dishonor their Lords by entertaining the lady who is thrusting herself at them. Lanval tells the Queen he can not be with her because he has “long served the king” and he does not wish to “betray” the kings faith in him (1320). Similarly, Joseph tells Potiphar’s wife his “master has withheld nothing from me except you,” and he did not wish to “sin against God” by taking her company (Gen 39:9). Either, Lanval or Joseph are able to discouraged the women being pushed on them, and both men suffer for their good intentions of resisting a woman.

Salvation

The stories parallelism ends at this point, where the men must find redemption from the situations they find themselves in. Lanval’ salvation comes in the form of his “beloved” (1323). This is a noteworthy point in the story for a woman is redeeming a man. While it is less significant now, it would have been more alarming to have a woman play the role of savior for a man in that time period. For this reason it could be said this is a feminist piece.

Extra Credit

Three symbols are incorporated in to Lau ̈stic. First, the nightingale represents the young wife’s “yearning to escape” and to be with her lover (1317). Second, the adjoining houses represents the closeness of the two, Lau ̈stic and her lover. The narrator describes the arrangement of their homes by saying “there was no barrier or division” (1324). Finally, the jeweled casket represents Lau ̈stic’s love being put to death. The casket acts as the sort of casket that is to be buried at a funeral.

From the two stories, Lanval and Lau ̈stic it is obvious the Middle Ages had some of the most fanciful ideas of love. In Lanval, the hero can not stand to be away from his lover form any small period of time. While Lanval believes he will never see his lover again, it is stated that its a “wonder he did not kill himself” (1321). In Lau ̈stic, the passionate love the couple share consists of shouting at one another through each lovers window and chucking gifts through one another’s windows. The love struck couple so greatly enjoy yelling from window to window “since they were denied anything more” (1324). These ridiculous displays of affection quickly gain acceptance during the telling of their stories. The frequent nature of such love neutralizes the ridiculousness and this display of love becomes common place.