Tuesday, April 10, 2007

This is the incipit (first letter, ornamented) from the book of Genesis in a bible owned by Charles the Bald. We're at the second assignment from our account of daily life in the world of Charlemagne, and you'll probably note that some of the questions you asked in class are addressed here in some detail. Without further ado, I offer you these Homework Questions:

1. Based on your reading, what further insights do you gain into the level of piety displayed by members of the clergy, both monastic and those in the priesthood? Obviously, not all clergy are going to be the same. Some are true to their professions, while others are not. Comment on some of the examples of both, and see what conclusions you can draw.
2. What were the conditions of material life during this time, for rich and poor? What sorts of insecurities did poor people face?
3. How (and how well) did the institutions of society function to protect those people in need of protection?

These are rather broad-based questions, and you can choose whatever specific examples or emphases you wish in answering them. Do not be superficial, but don't drive yourself nuts trying to be thorough either. See you next week.

Laurel Carrington carringt@stolaf.edu
Date last modified: April 5, 2007

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