Essay Questions

How are the stories in the collection characteristic for the time in which they were written?

The writings date back to the 13th and 14th century and it is proven that they were written in what is today known as France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. The writings are characteristic for the time in which they originated and even though they were written in different languages and different geographic locations, the themes explored in them are universal. Religion and a person’s place in society are the main ideas discussed here and the writings present the mainstream and generally accepted beliefs of the age. Religion and moral purity are extremely important for the writers and are mentioned in every writing. Also, important attention is given to the idea of knowing one’s place in society and not trying to cause any disturbance. These are all characteristic of the time in which the stories were written and offer a glimpse behind the curtain and presents an accurate image about life during those centuries.

How are the priests, abbots, and the other religious leaders described in the stories?

These characters have an extremely important role in the stories and more than often they are the main characters or the characters around which the action revolves. These characters are always described in a universally positive manner, as men who cannot do anything wrong and who always know what to do and what to say. An aura of mysticism surrounds those men and they are described as if no one can understand them completely. Also, these religious leaders are always presented as having a special relationship with God, which gives them a sense of superiority over the rest.

Why are the female characters who are mentioned as being saints also presented as being virgins?

There is a strong connection between the idea of moral purity and physical one, especially when it comes to women. Because of this, when a woman is described as being a saint, she is also described as being a virgin. For a woman in the 13th and 14th centuries, it was not easy to remain unnamed and those who fought against society and their own families in order not to take a husband were seen as being saintly. Also, sexuality and sexual intercourse were almost universally perceived as being evil, even when they were between a husband and wife. Sex had only one purpose, namely procreation, and admitting that there were couples who enjoyed being intimate was seen as something unacceptable. Because of this, by denying pleasure, the person in question is automatically seen as a special and unique member of society who is closer to God.