The courtesy book genre had spread throughout Europe in the late medieval- and early modern period, despite having formed earlier than that. Courtesy books brought new social norms, modern ideas and a hypothetical possibility for upward social mobility for its readers. Such literary works taught good manners, polite behaviour and in some cases morality. The focus of this master’s thesis is to enlighten the reader as to the contents and the advice given in those kinds of works (and didactic literature in general), with special attention to the treatment of the opposite gender. The sources examined are: The Treasure of the City of Ladies by Christine de Pizan, The Book of the Knight in the Tower by Geoffroy de La Tour Landry, Le Ménagier de Paris (author unknown), Urbanus Magnus by Daniel of Beccles, Tales of Count Lucanor by Don Juan Manuel, The Book of the Courtier by Baldessare Castiglione, and Galateo by Giovanni della Casa.
Medieval and early modern didactic literature written for women dedicated most of its contents to the themes of religion, purity, proper manners, and the relationship between the husband and wife. Conversely, the literature written for men spends more time exploring themes of friendship, rhetoric, and honour (especially in the context of warfare). Common to both are themes of proper behaviour and treatment of the opposite gender. For both genders, the sources advise for modesty, humility and piety, while women were also instructed to be subservient to their husbands, and men to be brave in battle, skilled with words, loyal to their friends and to their lord.
|
