Wickham argues in his article, Gossip and Resistance Among the Medieval Peasantry about the importance of analyzing gossip, and how gossip can help historians understand how medieval social groups work. Wickham’s analysis of medieval gossip is unique in that, as Wickham points out, research involving gossip has been historically marginalized due to the connotation of gossip as being morally incorrect, and for having a low proportion of facts. For example the author states that fields which would have been the most prepared for studying gossip tend to stay away from gossip for fear that the field would develop a “ stigma of being about 'mere ' gossip”. (page 10) Wickham, in this piece develops an argument backed by examples to support his claim that studying gossip can result in a better understanding of social groups, in particular peasants. An important reference story in the argument for the importance of gossip is the story of Compagno and Passignano. To summarize briefly, Compagno is a low class peasant, and Passignano is a powerful monastery. Compagno and Passignano go into an argument about a piece of land. Compagno claims he has an ancestral right to the land, and attempts create public rumors in his favor by publicly working the lands in dispute. The author theorizes that eventually Passigano won the case, but the use of “gossip” in the legal discussion is furthered analyzed throughout the paper. One such element of gossip, is how Compagno tried to create
Many of Giovanni’s witnesses that were summoned were from noble families indicating elite ties. But most of those called to testify for his side were Lusanna’s neighbors and erstwhile friends form the same artisan community to which her father and her first husband had belonged (Brucker, 26). Their evidence was seen as particularly informative concerning Lusanna’s character and her motives, though the reliability of their testimonies was not taken for granted and revealed their personal bias against her. The uncertainty of lies being told, bribes being given, or stories being altered due to emotional attachment was always be taken into account. The people who testified for Lusana were people of low status and reputation, whose evidence was discredited because they were bound to her by ties of blood and friendship (Brucker, 27). Other testimonies, both from Giovanni and Lusanna, were discredited for other reasons that did not make them reliable sources. Not only did social credibility play a role in this case but gender as
Natalie Zemon-Davis’s 1983 book The Return of Martin Guerre provided both the public and academic world with a fresh and interesting take on a classic story. Presented like a mystery thriller, Davis weaves a tale of deception based on a solid framework of cultural history. Her narrative depends on grounding the characters of Bertrande de Rols, Martin Guerre, Arnaud du Tihl, and their associates within a web of social context. Davis draws heavily on the traditional Coras narrative, but also supplements the established story with the version presented in Le Sueur, a new source she discovered. Additionally, she incorporates unusual sources dealing with broader social context and infers specifics from a general study of period interactions. It is this latter approach that historian Robert Finlay disagrees with. He claims that Davis does not appropriately rely on the source material provided by the Coras narrative and thus gives an unnecessarily dramatic version of events. The AHR forum on the subject includes both Finlay’s review and Davis’s response, providing a model of scholarly debate that extends beyond the actual content of the book in question. In addition to being a rhetorical critique, Finlay is attacking the foundational methodology of modern social history that Davis is then compelled to defend.
Some people keep secrets in order to keep the peace, to keep the happiness, and to keep others safe. There are many people in the world who feel that keeping a secret is wrong or may feel disrespected because a person is not being open and honest with them. Everyone has a different perspective of the influence secrets have on people. Medieval author, Marie De France, wrote the story of Lanval which tells the story of a knight who must keep his love with the woman of his dreams a secret or he will lose her forever. Secrecy is the central theme of Marie De France’s story. The theme of secrecy in this story adds to the dramatic effect of passion that the characters share with one another. This essay will examine how the theme of secrecy in Marie De France’s Lanval was an essential component to the story, how the choices made by the characters affected the plot, and how secrecy contributes to the entire meaning of the work.
“Another reason, the simplest, the ugliest, was that this hitherto peaceful congregation of neighbors and old friends had suddenly to endure the unique experience of disturbing each other; understandably, they believed that the murderer was among themselves.” (88)
In the article he writes,“Frank McAndrew, a professor of psychology at Knox College who studies the evolutionary roots of gossip, has found that we're particularly likely to spread negative rumors about "high-status" individuals, whether they're our bosses, professors, or celebrities” (515). By referencing his studies it allows him to avoid fallacies and continue to further the topic. He supports many more of his claims in the article to avoid this fallacy
Throughout history, there has been many different times, all with different highs and lows. However, no matter which Era, certain problems always seem to shine through the cracks. This problem is usually caused by the sole culprit of crime. Crime is the largest problem in most times. Every time has its own crime; and therefore, every generation deals with crime differently, each using their own type of punishment and order. Also, each Era has had its own way to carry out the punishments. Oftentimes it had been through officials of crime. Though different generations have had it’s own special ways of dealing with this problem of law and order, one stands alone with its majesty and uniqueness: The Elizabethan Era. This Era had a very particular, somewhat violent, way to deal with it’s crime and terrors. The strange crimes, the frightening punishments, and the peculiar officials of crime from the Elizabethan Era were very different from the ones of today.
The Rise of Witch Hunts in Europe During the Early Modern Period Tens of thousands of people were persecuted and put to death as witches between 1570 and 1680 – known as the great age of witch-hunts. Europeans had an extensive range of magical beliefs and practices, mainly due to the Christian belief that magic exists. The elite believed in magic as fervently as the most ignorant peasant. It was believed that some members of the society sold their soul to the devil giving them power to inflict pain on others and take part in supernatural performances.
“How to Fight a Rumor” by Jesse Signal is an essay that gives information about rumors and how to fight them. The essay uses research from rumor researchers and gives different examples of how people deal with rumors. It also views rumors on a psychological level and looks into why people spread them. In the essay, Jesse Signal informs the reader why people spread rumors, how to fight rumors, and gives examples of how people deal with rumors.
“Gossip” (pg: 199) Connotative: Talking to someone Denotative: Talking about a person behind there backs without even knowing.
The Christian religions rise to supremacy in the middle ages was the result of several factors. Christians had long been persecuted by the Roman Empire because the Romans felt that Christianity challenged and offended the Greco-Roman Gods and the Christians were prone to revolt against Roman rule. Christianity survived because it had many teachings that appealed to the downtrodden in Roman society, these teachings being that even though they were suffering they would gain equality and possibly superiority in the next life, Christianity gave them hope.
During the High Middle Ages, there was no strong, central government that was politically organized enough to meet common needs of the people in Europe. After the fall of Charlemagne’s empire, invasions and anarchy became the societal norm. If they wanted to survive, they had to meet particular needs. The people of the High Middle Ages met their needs of political organization, economic provision, and social aspects through Feudalism, Manorialism, and through the Church.
whole town, high and low scandalized; this quarrel, must be mended, and my advice is
Neil Simon's farce, Rumors, gives readers an in-depth look at the lives of ten wealthy individuals attending a dinner party. In an attempt to stay within the social crown, the characters start unsubstantiated rumors about their friends in an attempt to make themselves look better. The hosts of the party, Ken Gorman, and his wife Chris must cover up the fact that a friend of theirs, Charley Brock, has been shot in the ear lobe. They do not know how he got shot, but they decide that he must have tried to commit suicide, and thereby proceed to spread rumors about what they have heard in an attempt to avoid a possible attempted suicide scandal. They first lie to Charley's personal doctor, they lie about what happened to all of the servants,
In Medieval Europe Kingdoms there were many changes. Most of the changes were good for the world. The changes in medieval times can be drawn comparison to todays world. The changes focused on will be political, social, and economic. These changes will help people understand a small part of the worlds history.
Do not gossip, or fall in to the trap of one who does. Gossip can destroy a person and ruin their career, and is something that is easy to fall in to.