Lecture 5 Christine de Pizan Flashcards
Who was Christine de Pizan, and what makes her unique in medieval history?
Christine de Pizan was the first professional female writer in Europe, notable for her proto-feminist views and her innovative use of allegory to critique gender and politics.
What societal changes marked the 14th century in France, and how did these impact Christine’s work?
The 14th century saw the collapse of feudalism, widespread famine, the Black Death, and the Hundred Years’ War, fostering instability and centralization of power, themes central to Christine’s writings.
List the three most notable works of Christine de Pizan and their publication years.
‘The Book of the City of Ladies’ (1405), ‘The Book of the Body Politic’ (1407), and ‘The Treasure of the City of Ladies’ (1405).
What is the central argument of ‘The Book of the City of Ladies’?
It argues for the dignity and worth of women, challenging societal biases and advocating for their education and roles in governance.
How does Christine use the metaphor of ‘The City’ in her writings?
Christine uses ‘The City’ as a metaphor for the collective identity and empowerment of women, built upon virtues like Reason, Rectitude, and Justice.
What is the ‘Body Politic’ metaphor, and how does it structure society?
The ‘Body Politic’ metaphor likens society to a human body, where each class (head, heart, limbs) plays a vital role in maintaining harmony and survival.
How does Christine de Pizan describe the duties of a King in ‘The Body Politic’?
The King is described as the ‘head’ of society, tasked with ensuring justice, moral governance, and the welfare of all societal ranks.
Why does Christine prefer monarchy over democracy as a governance system?
She critiques democracy as unstable due to conflicting interests and instead advocates for rule by a virtuous monarch for stability and unity.
Who are Lady Reason, Lady Rectitude, and Lady Justice, and what roles do they play in ‘The City of Ladies’?
They are allegorical figures who guide Christine in building ‘The City of Ladies’, representing wisdom, morality, and justice.
What is Christine’s perspective on artisans and laborers in society?
Artisans and laborers are essential for sustaining society, and Christine emphasizes their indispensable contributions despite their low societal status.
What criticism does Christine have for common people’s behaviors, and how does she balance this criticism?
She criticizes common people’s licentious behaviors but acknowledges their value and necessity, urging sobriety and adherence to their roles.
What are the ranks of the clergy, merchants, and commoners in ‘The Body Politic’, and what are their roles?
Clergy: Provide spiritual guidance. Merchants: Economic backbone, maintain civic stability. Commoners: Support the economy through labor.
How does Christine connect her views on governance to Aristotle and Augustine?
Christine incorporates Aristotle’s views on virtue and Augustine’s emphasis on spiritual governance, grounding her ideas in classical thought.
What does Christine say about the necessity of wisdom and recreation for the clergy?
She highlights the need for both wisdom and recreation to maintain the clergy’s morale and intellectual productivity.
What virtues does Christine emphasize for a King and his councilors?
Virtues like love of justice, prudence, and piety are essential for a virtuous King and his advisors to govern wisely.
