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This would be a possible question for the second part of the exam. “In the beginning of the semester we discussed the necessity of keeping opinion and presumptions out of our study of medieval texts.  After a semester of reading … Continue reading →

Possible question for Part 1: Define the term conduct texts and explain their purpose in collections such as Ashmole 61. Were these kinds of texts actually valuable to the reader? Or did they merely outline ideal behavior?

This question is for the second part of the exam. This semester we’ve been looking at romance as a literary genre. What can the romances of Ashmole 61 reveal about its audience and culture?

Knowing people do not have to be born into the Gentry, how easily do you think that this is done? Is it easier for men or women? What obstacles do you think they face in the transition? (Keep in mind … Continue reading →

possible question for part 1: While other texts in Ashmole 61 incorporate some elements of the supernatural into the plot, the themes in Sir Orfeo seem to rely heavily on the existence of the Faery Kingdom. How does this magical … Continue reading →

This would be a question for the second portion of the exam: How were the lives of men and women different in the Middle Ages? Did there seem to be a double standard or were men favored more often than … Continue reading →

Title: Food and the Construction and Maintenance of Identity in “Sir Cleges” I want to explore how identities are constructed and maintained around food in “Sir Cleges”. Because this poem is about gain and loss through the gift of food, … Continue reading →

I have found that as an English major I am particularly sensitive to other people’s grammar.  This was sent to me by a friend.  I figured we could all use a laugh right about now. http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/04/alot-is-better-than-you-at-everything.html

While entertaining and to some extent educational, “The Debate of the Carpenter’s Tools” holds a curious place in Ashmole 61; in fact, between various romances and more traditional conduct texts, it doesn’t seem to fit at all. The editors notes … Continue reading →

Jocelyn Leving Eng 400 Dr. Seaman 04-16-10   Religion’s Contribution to Patriarchy in Middle English Literature I will be taking a socio-historical approach in which I analyze religion’s influence on the negative views of women and on the support of … Continue reading →