How were women viewed in the medieval times? What would medieval men have said about Petrarch's (poet) view on women?
thanks!
This site will give you an idea of women in Medieval culture.
http://www.dfwx.com/medieval_cult.html
Check out the section on his relationship with his daughter, and the section on Laura.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrarch
This is a page from a book.... very interesting comment on Petrarch and women.
http://books.google.com/books?id=qawAmAVIMSQC&pg=PA150&lpg=PA150&dq=Petrarch's+(poet)+view+on+women&source=web&ots=hZUN7vHWuG&sig=lYuG5H2LvgfbwvWKiJVNw23ylOg&hl=en&ei=JTWPSc6FMaSoNYjQiJkL&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result
In medieval times, women were generally viewed through a patriarchal lens, where their social standing and roles within society were defined by their relationships to men. Women were often seen as inferior to men, both physically and intellectually. They were expected to be submissive, modest, and obedient to their fathers or husbands.
Now, in regards to Petrarch's view on women, it is important to note that he was a poet known for his romantic writings. Petrarch's view on women was influenced by the idealized portrayal of courtly love, which emphasized the worship and adoration of the beloved woman. While he celebrated women in his poems, his view of them was still confined within the traditional patriarchal framework.
Medieval men would likely have had mixed reactions to Petrarch's view on women. Some might have found his depictions of women as idealized objects of affection to be appealing, as it reinforced the existing notions of male dominance and female submission. Others might have been critical, considering his romanticized portrayal unrealistic or perhaps even disrespectful to their beliefs about the role of women in society.
To further understand the medieval perspective on women and Petrarch's view, one could consult primary sources such as medieval literature, poetry, and religious texts. Additionally, scholarly articles or books on gender and society in medieval times can provide more in-depth analysis and historical context.