|
1.) Dante's themes, as related to Justinian in Canto VI come front and center in Cantos XVIII-XX. What is Dante's conception of "Justice"? How does that concept relate to the individual, to individualism, to freedom, to love, to the divine? Has Dante tried to make the State into a god? Does his concept trump the individual? Does it quash and squash individual and collective freedom(s)? Explain with details and evidence from Paradiso, along with anything else useful that comes to hand. (some great 'Sic & Non' opportunities here...) |
| 2.) Dante's Paradiso represents most (or all) aspects which characterize the European Middle Ages. He employed examples concerning various sides to the medieval church, scholarly thinking, political problems, reforming impulses, historical developments, social presuppositions, internal psychology, pragmatic ethics, poetic vision -- in short, a Summa -- an entire World-View in 33 Cantos (Cf. Cook & Herzman).
Analyze passages, anecdotes, personages, aspirations, central ideas, etc. from the Paradiso to build a picture (or a photo album) of the Middle Ages. Given the more significant (half a dozen or so) themes of Dante’s Paradiso, how and why would you rank them? Which are higher, which less high, in Dante’s ‘stairway to heaven’? |
| 3.) Medieval Feudalism has often been attacked as a chaotic, mindless oppression, and has also been promoted as a peaceful, progressive order. In our class, we have seen both, as well as a number of positions between these extremes. Consider: politically, economically, socially, intellectually, etc -- how would you characterize feudalism?
Given our reading of Eleanor’s life and times, would you argue that feudalism helped, or hindered, her aims, goals and life situations? Please, exemplify generously, with lucid explanations. |
| 4.) Eileen Power identified the importance of the modern inquiry into medieval women's status. She presented the argument that medieval women were, compared to Greco-Roman times, experiencing a ‘Golden Age’ but still caught "between a pit and a pedestal," alluding to Poe's poem. Did medieval women have little ability to rise in, to live actively in, or to lead society? Or did women have much ability and potential in those areas? Consider:
"King Henry II attempted to straight-jacket Queen Eleanor in the Peter-of-Blois letter we saw, placing her in The Pit. Further, Dante so idealized his ‘courtly-love’ of Beatrice that she and Woman-kind are both Pedestal-Objects and putty produced by the poet’s pen. Medieval culture had no place for women in terms of equality, intellectual life, political and/or cultural activity/leadership." Agree and disagree with the above through analysis of sources, examples, details, ideas etc that are related. Explain why you, essentially, agree or disagree with the above statement. |
5.) Colin Morris outlined the issue of Individualism and the Middle Ages. We examined it in class and came to divided conclusions as to the viability of this concept then, or now. Using Eleanor of Aquitaine as your main source, explain the nature of Individualism, as you see it in the various episodes of her life and times. Does the Medieval World View tend to agree with your assessment on this topic, or does it present a view Contra to your assessment? Does Eleanor exhibit a significant sense individualism, a lá Colin Morris? Explain, please -- this may be the most important topic before us today, if Morris is right.... |
6.) Sidney Painter's picture of the medieval roots of true and lasting freedom(s) have altered how medievalists look at this era. After sketching Painter's position on this, explain how Dante and Eleanor of Aquitaine relate to this position. |
| 7.) Abelard makes a strong case for intellectual freedom, but does Dante? "His will is our peace" (3:85) -- does that line, showing Dante's goal and desire for deep peace, require that we sacrifice freedom, individualism, questionning? Does Dante, in other words, advocate RIP -- Rest In Peace or RIP -- Revel in Peace? Do a "Sic et Non" on this question, showing both sides as well as which side appears to have the strongest case. |
| 8.) Pick a Canto of your choice as illustrating central ideas of Dante’s Paradiso. Explain this Canto in detail, illuminating Dante’s worldview, partisanships, intellectual stance(s) and ‘advice’ for the reader. Show how the details of this Canto relates to the Paradiso, or in other words, how it represents and illustrates the more important ideas or themes that exist throughout Dante's Paradiso. Given the importance, or absence, of Individualism in Dante, show the relationship between your Canto and Morris' formulation of Individualism. |
