Medieval values

Definition

Medieval values refer to the set of beliefs and ethical standards that shaped society during the Middle Ages, emphasizing concepts like chivalry, honor, loyalty, and religious devotion. These values influenced not only personal conduct but also social hierarchies, relationships, and cultural expressions within medieval literature. They play a significant role in understanding the motivations and conflicts among characters in stories from this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Medieval values often revolved around the importance of loyalty to one's lord or king, which was a central aspect of feudal society.
2. Chivalry played a crucial role in shaping knights' behavior, guiding them in their duties toward both their superiors and those they protected.
3. Religious devotion was another cornerstone of medieval values, influencing daily life and decisions, often reflected in literature through characters' faith or moral dilemmas.
4. The concept of courtly love highlighted the interplay between romantic ideals and societal expectations, often leading to conflict among characters in stories.
5. Medieval values often resulted in strict social hierarchies where one's status dictated their rights and duties, affecting character interactions in various tales.

Review Questions

• How do medieval values influence character motivations in 'The Franklin's Tale'?
  • 'The Franklin's Tale' showcases characters driven by medieval values such as loyalty and honor. For instance, the relationship between Arveragus and Dorigen illustrates the ideals of chivalry, where Arveragus is willing to respect Dorigen's autonomy, reflecting a deeper understanding of love and loyalty. These values shape their actions and decisions throughout the story, leading to complex moral choices that drive the plot forward.
• Analyze how the concept of chivalry manifests in 'The Franklin's Tale' and its impact on character relationships.
  • 'The Franklin's Tale' demonstrates chivalry through the character of Arveragus, who embodies the ideals of a noble knight by prioritizing his wife's happiness over his own desires. This commitment to honor affects his interactions with Dorigen and Aurelius, creating tension as they navigate their respective loyalties. The adherence to chivalric principles elevates their relationships beyond mere romantic entanglements, intertwining duty and personal sacrifice.
• Evaluate the role of medieval values in shaping the resolution of conflicts within 'The Franklin's Tale'.
  • 'The Franklin's Tale' resolves conflicts through the lens of medieval values, especially those related to loyalty and honor. The challenges faced by Dorigen highlight the tensions between personal desire and societal expectations. Ultimately, these values guide characters towards resolution; Arveragus's respect for Dorigen's autonomy leads to an unexpected but harmonious conclusion. This reflects how deeply ingrained medieval ideals influence not only individual choices but also broader social harmony in literature.

Related terms

Chivalry: A code of conduct associated with the medieval institution of knighthood that emphasized bravery, honor, and respect for women and the weak.

Feudalism: A social and economic system prevalent in medieval Europe where land was owned by lords who granted it to vassals in exchange for military service.

Courtly Love: A medieval European literary conception of love that emphasized nobility and chivalry, often involving admiration from afar without physical consummation.