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Christine De Pizan Essay

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Medieval Europe ranged from 500 to 1500 AD, and was considered by many to be a Dark Age. After the fall of Western Rome, Europe was divided into many different feudal states. Lifestyle was very rural and simple, with little progression or innovation; until the Commercial Revolution, beginning in 1100. This influx of trade led to a more stabilized merchant or middle class, causing towns and cities to be built. These cities meant a growing economy, and in turn more innovation and art. This Commercial Revolution was a key to the start of the Renaissance in 1300, which spanned until 1600. It began in Florence, Italy before spreading to the rest of Europe. The Renaissance was defined by its revival of Classical era art and values. Artists and philosophers …show more content…

The Renaissance man is a famous generalization for a well-rounded or scholarly person during the Renaissance time period from 1300-1600 AD. But, one Renaissance woman had a great impact on society today, and embodied the spirit of the Renaissance. Christine De Pizan was born in Venice, Italy in 1364, before moving to France, where her father Thomas worked for Charles V. Since her father worked for the King, Christine was able to receive a great education. She then began writing philosophical works of her own and spreading her ideas on important issues regarding women. Christine De Pizan embodied the spirit of the Renaissance by preaching the value of education and studying Classical subjects, using her work The Book of the City of the Ladies to spread her idealism on portrayal of women and harmful stereotypes and skepticism on gender roles, and by laying a foundation for future improvements on gender …show more content…

The Book of the City of the Ladies begins with three characters; Lady Reason, Lady Rectitude, and Lady Justice. These characters build a scholarly city where women can seek refuge from misogyny. They answer questions from Christine along the way about why men criticize women and exclude them from main parts of society. This book contributes many different ideas that go against the status quo. One important gender role that she disputes is that women are less than men as a whole. She writes, “There Adam slept, and God formed the body of woman from one of his ribs, signifying that she should stand at his side as a companion and never lie at his feet like a slave, and also that he should love her as his own flesh”(1.9.2). Christine is saying that because Eve was created by Adam’s rib does not mean that she is his slave or less than him, more so that she is one with him. This represents the spirit of the Renaissance because it shows skepticism of the gender roles of society. Skepticism is an important part of the Renaissance because it is the main way the new ideas are formed, which is by the questioning of what is normal. Another idea that Christine expands upon is why there are so many misogynous opinions in literature. She believes that the reason is mainly due to

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