Wednesday, November 7, 2007

With the Burgermeister's Daughter, we embark on yet another glimpse into the lives of people who would otherwise be lost to history because of their relative obscurity. You should recall from our readings about the early modern state that the regulation of sexuality became one of several ways in which governments worked to achieve more control over the lives of citizens. Here we have a case of sexual scandal in a German town during the period when it was becoming Protestant. The incident reflects not only gender relations, but also class relations during this period. In preparation for our first class on this book, consider the following:

• We learn that the Buschlers were a family of wealth and high social standing, yet the Schenks were even higher in rank. What is the reason for the discrepancy? Who exactly are the Limpurg Schenks?
• What does the conflict over the tap room show us about rank in Hall in the early sixteenth-cenutry? What is at stake for each party to the conflict?
• What is the role of the emperor in the governance of Hall, and in its history?
• Is Anna a sympathetic character so far? What factors influence your opinion?
• What did a young woman of her time and place have a right to expect from her father?
• Do we agree so far with the author's suggestion that Erasmus Schenk (note: NOT the Erasmus who is the humanist reformer!) is a bit of a cad?

Laurel Carrington carringt@stolaf.edu
Most recent update: November 5, 2007

Disclaimer