Is Christine de Pizan’s poem about the triumphs of Joan of Arc a “feminist” literary work? Why or why not? (Define “feminist.”) What are the religious references and allusions in the poem? What are the references to the classical world? In subject matter, is there anything “modern” in the poem? Does the work better reflect the waning Middle Ages or the waxing Renaissance? How and why? (page 295)Monday, September 8, 2008
“A Feminist Heroine: Christine de Pizan or Joan of Arc”
Is Christine de Pizan’s poem about the triumphs of Joan of Arc a “feminist” literary work? Why or why not? (Define “feminist.”) What are the religious references and allusions in the poem? What are the references to the classical world? In subject matter, is there anything “modern” in the poem? Does the work better reflect the waning Middle Ages or the waxing Renaissance? How and why? (page 295)
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9 comments:
the author of this poem is portraying joan of ark as a feminest and not a femenest. there are some aspects that show joan as a better soilder then the men.it also dipicts a story from the bible.
I think by the way the poem was writen it is kind of modern. Now in days woman can speak up and let their opinions out. In this case Christine de Pizan was addressing the poem to the king of France. She was judging him and telling him how a brave girl had to be the one doing his work.
But at the same time it's using old fshion words like "maid" which means virgin.
I feel that Chritine's poem is about the triumphs of Joan of Arc, but I also feel that the poem is not just all about the work of Joan of Arc. I feel this way because although Christine talks about the progress of Joan of Arc, she also mentions about good fortune that came to the King Charles after fighting a mighty war. So I feel that the poem is a little feminist but not completely.
Feminist means pretty much an organized movement for the attainment of such rights for women; feminie character. A religious reference in the poem that I read was "It's God does that, who's guiding her whose courage passes that of men... By miracle has she appeared,divine commandment sent her here." So in other words she was saying that there was a reason why she was here and that God sent her here for that reason.
Joan of Arc was known as the maid of new orleans and was a 15th century Catholic saint. She led the french army to victory during the hundred year wars. Joan of arc was an important figure in western culture. Major writers and composers have created works about her such as Shakespear, Voltaire, and twain just to name a few. She was a strong wome and played a very important role in history.
The Poem of Joan of Arch is a not, in the literal sense of the word, a "feminist" poem. The ideals behind feminism is not to declare superiority over the male sex, it is for the equality of women. Going back to the time this was written i believe it was just a drastic change in the society. In her statement "Among our men so brave and apt [s]he's captain over all;" she’s saying more than, wow a woman lead these men, its as though she’s saying that the female gender would one day be the same, over man. Then she makes the references to god, as though god has chosen his favorite, and therefore women are divine and above men. These are not statements for gender equality, this is a woman who wants to turn the tables, which I would not blame her for hoping for given her era’s views of women, this is a woman opposed to feminism.
Wel i belive that it is femenist because it does suport her
Christine de Pizan's is about a women who was responsible for the salvation of France from the English during the fourteenth century. Feminism is considered to be some what a belief giving equal rights for men and women on social, political and economic rights. I believe that in a way the poem is somewhat feminist. This poem gives credit to the idea of feminism and her as a feminist. The poem has a lot of refrences towards God, shows the mayor part raligion had on that century.
From my POV i think the poem feflects more middle age rather than Renaissance. With not much of a modern view.
i believe that it is a very modern written poem. its language it simliar to our english now.
well i agree with some people on the ideals behind feminism but i believe that in this poem it speaks highly of women, of Joan, and of France as a women. there is much said over the superiority of women. it speaks of how women have brought success, nourishment, and its independence because of women.
Ricardo -- make up your mind! You were/are a debater: take a stand! Also, add more meat -- evidence, quotes from the document -- to back yourself up.
I like the definitions of feminism -- Shuneice, Ashanti -- that point to de Pizan's apparently transcending that and positing some superiority of women (see Susy and Stephanie's comments). We will see that will be a theme among women's advocates -- some moral, or religious primacy of women over men.
Ivan, you tantalize. Inquiring minds want to know what you think....
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