Lualdi 13:1 The Black Death
What explanations do people offer for the plague? How do they appear to understand the disease process? How might different groups of people have reacted to the plague? Finally, what was the experience of the Jews in this catastrophe?
Lualdi 13:3 Catherine of Siena, Councils of Pisa and Constance
Look at Catherine’s letters to Pope Gregory, and describe her attitude to the pope. Is she respectful? Is the vehemence of her personal admonition, coming from a woman, surprising to you? What is the source of her authority, and how does she in her letters attempt to portray herself?
Lualdi 13:5 Marsilius of Padua
How does this source reflect the growing conflict between monarchs and popes in their respective roles as rulers? Why are the statements in this excerpt so revolutionary? If taken to its logical conclusion, what effect would this document have on the papacy?