The master's thesis is structured into three chapters. The first chapter contextualizes Augustine's and Francis's Rules within their specific historical milieu, and to some extent, within the broader context of the creation of religious Rules in Western Europe. It sheds light on Augustine's personal experiences, which may have influenced his attitude towards community life as enacted in his religious Rule. Subsequently, the author presents the diverse body of texts preserved under the title "Augustine's Rule," touching on questions of authenticity, authorship, and dating. She also indicates its use over the centuries, especially in the Middle Ages, when its independent application was first documented. At this point, the focus shifts to Francis' Rule, addressing similar questions. It charts Francis' path of conversion, mainly from the point of the impact on the values he incorporated into his Rule. She then discusses the design and creation of the Rule itself, according to the three versions that we know of. At the end of the chapter, she but briefly explains the difficulties faced by the Friars Minor, who lived according to this Rule, in later periods when interpreting the Rule trying to adapt to new life and historical circumstances. Chapter 2 provides a substantive summary of the Rules as a prelude to the substantive comparison that ensues in the following chapter. Chapter 3 first briefly compares the literary form of the Rules, and subsequently proceeds to compare the content in five points. Under the first point, the author searches for the overarching theme that pervades each Rule and directs its content; under the second point, she compares the stance towards property and labor, as reflected in each Rule; the third point addresses questions regarding obedience, leadership and disciplinary issues; the fourth point deals with the perspective on interactions with the opposite sex and the concept of chastity; the fifth point explores the attitude towards prayer and asceticism.
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