Wednesday, Marie de France, Lais, prologue and chps 1-6.
Friday: Fabliaux (pdf file)
Monday: Joinville, Life of St. Louis through part II, ch. 10
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Reading from handout?
I wasn't able to make it to class Wednesday (sorry!!), and as such I don't have a handout. Could someone please hook me up with the specifics of the readings please?
muchos gracias
muchos gracias
Counts and leaders (blog assignment)
What interested me in Galbert of Bruges account of The Murder of Saint Charles the Good were the qualities that made a “good” count. Galbert seems to praise Charles because he “took such measures to strengthen the peace, to reaffirm the laws and rights of the realm, that little by little public order was restore” (pg 83). This praise shows that counts, which may be generalized to all leaders of that time, were expected to bring stability to their world. Interestingly, this expectation seems to stem from the idea that the count, or leader, is the source of stability, and this is shown when people insisted he stay in the “fatherland” for “the peace and well-being” of it (pg 91). Galbert later highlights more of Charles’s virtues when tells of Charles’s altruism in helping to relieve the poor’s situation by ensuring that they were regularly fed and clothing those who needed clothes. Interestingly, this seems to suggest a possible parent-child relationship between ruler and ruled, which is confirmed when some robbed country people begged for Charles’s “customary parental help” (pg 105). Therefore, because Charles is praised for his altruism and his ability to provide stability, Galbert through Charles shows that good counts and leaders were judged by their ability to provide their subjects with security.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Reading Assignment
Friday: Galbert (see handout)
Monday: Chretien de Troye, "Knight of the Cart" found in your Arthurian Romances book.
Wednesday: Marie de France, "Lais" Prol. I-VI.
Monday: Chretien de Troye, "Knight of the Cart" found in your Arthurian Romances book.
Wednesday: Marie de France, "Lais" Prol. I-VI.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Readings
The reading is available at Leavey reserves in book form. There are 3 copies available at the reception desk in the History Dept and they may be checked out for two hours at a time. The best thing would be to make your own personal copy of this. Please email me or Stacey if you have any questions.
Friday, March 21, 2008
change of office hours
My office hours on Monday will be from 9-10 instead of from 12-1. I am sorry for this inconvenience.
Best,
Stacey
Best,
Stacey
Friday, March 14, 2008
2 items
1) I can't find the William of Poitiers reading either.
2) I am not having office hours today.
2) I am not having office hours today.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
In the Song of Roland, the author's portrayal of heroism is shown through the actions of Roland. Roland is a valiant warrior who stays behind with eleven of his other peers and twenty thousand franks to protect eh hold that the Franks have on Spain. Along with his fellow counts, he protects their share of Spain from the pagans. His heroic character is derived from the virtues of integrity, loyalty, and courage. The loyalty to his king shown in Roland's character can also be seen when Beowulf taithfully returns to his homeland to pay respect to his king after killing Grendel. Beowulf's courage that he had for the daunting talk of slaying Grendel can be compared to the predicament faced by the twelve counts left behind when they are heavily outnumbered by the pagan armies that attack the Franks.
Heroism is very similar in Beowulf and Song of Roland. In both instances, death in battle is glamorous. Both Roland and Beowulf took on challenges in which the odds were against them. And despite dying, the two are highly revered for their bravery. Roland was stupid for not calling for support. However, because he died in battle his fame grew. The one difference between the two portrayals of heroism seems to be the reward. In Song of Roland, there is an emphasis on religion. It’s the Christians versus the Muslims. Fittingly, Roland is granted eternal salvation. Meanwhile, Beowulf was granted fame.
The Song of Roland: What Makes a Hero
In The Song of Roland Heroism is largely similar to that of Beowulf. In Beowulf the lead character was famed for having the strongest grip and uses it in battle. Similarly. delivering devastating blows are often revered by soldiers and lead knights in The Song of Roland: "The Archbishop says: 'That was a strike worthy of a knight!'" (41). Ferocity in battle is clearly glorified as well as bravery in battle as we discussed in class. However, in The Song of Roland I see more of an emphasis on a knight also being cunning and wise. It isnt't enough for the knight to be bold in battle he must be brave as well. I would agree with the idea put forth in class that Oliver, combined with Roland would be te perfect knight. Also, there is another emphasis on wisdom and character when we look at Charles the Great. Marsiliun questions Ganelon about Charles repeatedly to which he continually responds that his lord is braver than any man, and more virtuos, and holds his men in such great esteem that he needs not fear anyone (180. Also, later in the story, I;m not sure where, Charles is described as wise enough to see through Ganelon's plan for ROland and curses him for it. So in this tale, differing form Beowuf, the hero is of strong stature and mind. He is reasonable and furious. One question I have that may help discussion is that while we see a downfall of a hero in both stories, what values are present in the time of the 11th century that make Roland's downfall in battle more tragic, and how did they differ from a world where almost everyone percieved Beowulf as having a glorious downfall.
help with William
Hey,
sorry for the extra post but I am having a lot of trouble finding the William of Poitiers readings. Could someone who knows where in the reader they are please give me what readings they're between or something? I've looked through the thing 2 or 3 times now. Thanks!
Julia
sorry for the extra post but I am having a lot of trouble finding the William of Poitiers readings. Could someone who knows where in the reader they are please give me what readings they're between or something? I've looked through the thing 2 or 3 times now. Thanks!
Julia
Song of Roland posts
I've also chosen to respond to both posts this week.
1) Song of Roland and Heroism-
As we discussed in class, there are as many possible answers to the question "Who's the hero" as there are characters in the text. Is it Roland, whom the text is named for and who occupies so much of the talking and thinking time of the other characters present? Is it Charlemagne (who the text was originally named for) and in whose name this great battle is fought? He is presented as the essence of the ideal ruler. Is it Oliver, whose consistent balance of wisdom and battle valor (sometimes tragically) offsets Roland's single-mindedness? All of these are possible, and I believe all of them are correct. To me, the hero in Roland is a set of ideas and values. It is an abstract rather than an individual, something readers or listeners could strive towards. But comparing that conclusion with Beowulf, we come up with the important distinction of complexity. Beowulf, though just as gory and fun, was a simpler story. Beowulf was the hero. He always made the right decision, always won the battle, always got the treasure. Roland presents a much more complicated, dramatic picture and allows us to question much more deeply the nature of medieval heroism.
2) Ganelon's Trial and Medieval Justice-
Although I would like to agree with Harris' insightful post about the growing complexity of the legal system (noticing a trend here?), I disagree that the medieval French way of dealing with the law as presented by Ganelon's trial more closely resembles modern justice systems. Charlemagne's system seems to be more heavily based on practicality and logic than on high minded conceptions of right and wrong. We as a 21st century class agree that what Ganelon did (betrayal, treachery, murder etc) was wrong. But when he is brought to trial, there is a large contingent of Roland and Oliver's home population that thinks he should just be let go. After all, they argue, Roland is dead, the damage is done and no amount of punishment is going to reverse that. It isn't logical to deprive the king of a wise advisor just because he settled an internal feud with Roland. The idea that there is such a thing as private murder is also something foreign to our system of justice. But in this world, it was a personal disagreement, personally settled and doesn't concern the larger population.
1) Song of Roland and Heroism-
As we discussed in class, there are as many possible answers to the question "Who's the hero" as there are characters in the text. Is it Roland, whom the text is named for and who occupies so much of the talking and thinking time of the other characters present? Is it Charlemagne (who the text was originally named for) and in whose name this great battle is fought? He is presented as the essence of the ideal ruler. Is it Oliver, whose consistent balance of wisdom and battle valor (sometimes tragically) offsets Roland's single-mindedness? All of these are possible, and I believe all of them are correct. To me, the hero in Roland is a set of ideas and values. It is an abstract rather than an individual, something readers or listeners could strive towards. But comparing that conclusion with Beowulf, we come up with the important distinction of complexity. Beowulf, though just as gory and fun, was a simpler story. Beowulf was the hero. He always made the right decision, always won the battle, always got the treasure. Roland presents a much more complicated, dramatic picture and allows us to question much more deeply the nature of medieval heroism.
2) Ganelon's Trial and Medieval Justice-
Although I would like to agree with Harris' insightful post about the growing complexity of the legal system (noticing a trend here?), I disagree that the medieval French way of dealing with the law as presented by Ganelon's trial more closely resembles modern justice systems. Charlemagne's system seems to be more heavily based on practicality and logic than on high minded conceptions of right and wrong. We as a 21st century class agree that what Ganelon did (betrayal, treachery, murder etc) was wrong. But when he is brought to trial, there is a large contingent of Roland and Oliver's home population that thinks he should just be let go. After all, they argue, Roland is dead, the damage is done and no amount of punishment is going to reverse that. It isn't logical to deprive the king of a wise advisor just because he settled an internal feud with Roland. The idea that there is such a thing as private murder is also something foreign to our system of justice. But in this world, it was a personal disagreement, personally settled and doesn't concern the larger population.
Office Hours
I will be having office hours after section on Friday should anyone want to discuss their papers.
Although Ganelon was eventually hanged, he was neither found guilty by the “court” nor was he really on trial for leading Roland to his death. In fact he freely admits to plotting against Roland; however, he does attempt to claim innocence by declaring he did not betray the king and, by extension, the kingdom. This shows that feuds or killing others for revenge is not a crime and only family members are expected to take action, which embodies the concept of taking the law into your own hands. Moreover, the king makes it clear he wants Ganelon to be hanged, but, because he was found innocent by vote, this incident shows that king or rulers have limited power in the justice system. While the king’s wish fails to persuade the majority, Thierry chooses to take the king’s side and votes for Ganelon’s haning. More importantly, Thierry’s dissension seems to be enough to do so, which is demonstrated by Pinabel challenging Thierry to combat to prove Ganelon’s innocence. This turn of events shows that, while crimes are judged by a council, the verdict can always be contested and force, not reason, can be used. Because force is the deciding factor, medieval justice is shown to focus around strength of arms, and not reason. Lastly, Ganelon's trial as a whole shows that medieval justice is less about laws and justice and more about practicality, because the stronger person, the survivor, will be more useful in battle than the weaker person who was defeated. This claim is further strengthened by the council declaring Ganelon innocent due to their belief no one would be willing to fight Pinnabel to prove Ganelon guilty, which shows they did not wish to waste time with a pointless verdict.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Reading Assignments
Friday: William of Poitiers, Deeds of William and The Two Speeches of Pope Urban, both in the reader
Monday: Anselm of Bec, Prosologion: prologue, 1-5; Guanilo's reply and Anselm's response.
Monday: Anselm of Bec, Prosologion: prologue, 1-5; Guanilo's reply and Anselm's response.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Blog Assignment 6
How does the author's portrayal of heroism in the Song of Roland compare to some of our earlier texts like Beowulf?
Or
What might the description of Ganelon's trial tell us about concepts of medieval justice?
You can answer one of these questions OR you can answer both questions and get credit for two blogs for those of you who have been naughty and not blogged as much as you should have. Remember, these count for 10% of your overall class grade!!!
Or
What might the description of Ganelon's trial tell us about concepts of medieval justice?
You can answer one of these questions OR you can answer both questions and get credit for two blogs for those of you who have been naughty and not blogged as much as you should have. Remember, these count for 10% of your overall class grade!!!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Paper- Extremely Rough Assembly
NOTE: I have my quotes all pulled and ready, I just haven’t had time to put them in yet. Also this is an extremely rough assembly, certainly a far cry from any finished product. However I think you can see a clear thesis and the points that I am getting across. Thanks for reading if you decide to read it.
Thesis: In the Barbarian West, evil is that which doesn't fit into their society.
In the Barbarian West, evil was not defined as the manifestation of what was bad or malignant but rather as the unfamiliar or unchristian. Looking through The History of the Franks, The Life of Cuthbert, and Beowulf a pattern of evil emerges more like a social trend and less like some far reaching human concept.
NOTE: Rewrite thesis so the trends so evident in Gregory and Cuthbert lead up to how Beowulf uses these for heightened drama.
The concept of violence is reminiscent of how NBA General Managers used to deal with the Foreign Prospect. Given their basketball frame of reference, the multi-faceted game of the Europeans was not what they understood a good basketball player to be. This put an obstacle in the path of many NBA-bound players forcing them to work harder to find their place. It was not until increased Olympic success and the emergence of true foreign superstars that the NBA finally embraced the foreigner.
Begin this with the analogy that evil is not violence. That is of the utmost importance.
In these texts, a person’s deeds are partially defined by how they fit into the Author’s society. Through the venerated subjects of Gregory, he manages to describe the violent exploits of __________ with grace and no amounts of disgust. INSERT QUOTE* This description suggests that ______ is not acting on some violent urge but keeping the society in check. These additional outbursts seem excused by the lack of a governing force in the Frankish World. It is easy to imagine Gregory understanding the circumstances at work and excusing his violent subjects from damnation.
Though Gregory appears wont to excuse the occasional crime in the name of order or the lord (Lord-er?), he is quick to portray unfamiliar violence as the outbursts of barbarians. Nowhere is this clearer than in his depiction of the Arians. INSERT QUOTE AND ADDITIONAL INSIGHT. 2-3 sentences.
Also: Explain how murder seems excused when it is done for Political purposes.
Note: Explain how their understanding of violence allowed them to find a place for it in their society. Try to make the
ALSO: In previous two paragraphs, strengthen the argument of violence as a cultural institution. Cast it as say, I don’t know Ethnocentric.
OUTLINE:
The value of Chistianity from a broader perspective
Note how it is always explained when someone is unchristian.
The exploits and glorification of Cuthbert explained and compared to how Gregory treats the Imposters and the necromantic ways of others. Note how the only real difference how one is doing it for their own benefit and how the other is supposedly doing it for the glorification of god.
As Gregory begins The History with a staunch declaration of his faith, it should come as no surprise that he utilizes the concept of “evil” to protect his beliefs.
Desiderius “he set out to deceive them by the false art of Necromancy, rather than to cure them by God’s grace.” 483 A healer just like Cuthbert, however similar the methodology, the portrayals are quite different.
Beowulf is a perfect example of what is considered acceptable. Thing beyond the norm enters and causes a disturbance, serving an analogous purpose in the process, of course it must be killed.
Beowulf Quote: Wise sir, do not grieve. It is always better
to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Readings
Friday: Aelfric: Lives, 171-219
Here is the link to the reading http://www.google.com/books?id=llo5Vft4AAoC&printsec=frontcover&dq=aelfric#PPA171,M1
Monday: No Reading, Paper II Due
Here is the link to the reading http://www.google.com/books?id=llo5Vft4AAoC&printsec=frontcover&dq=aelfric#PPA171,M1
Monday: No Reading, Paper II Due
Monday, March 3, 2008
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