What I am confused by this book is the examples. Although it was aimed at the prejudice of men against women that prevailed at the time. But it seems that the examples have not been able to justify all women. Also, this book is mostly based on religious mythology, so its persuasion is weak. This is probably limited by the author’s educational background. This book is still limited by the trend of the times. In the end, it is still preaching to women, hoping that they will devote / tolerate.
3 thoughts on “The Book of the City of Ladies”
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I agree with some of your views. But there are good things about this book. For example, the author mentions that women will have the same ability as men if they have access to education. And the book mentions that some husbands despise their wives to cover up their weakness.
I think her persuasion with using religious mythology impact more than using examples of the reality. First of all, Christianity was the state religion in that era, so religion was the core of the life. Moreover, most people who can read are from aristocratic. Medieval French literature were divided into two; aristocratic literature that emphasizes faith in religion, chivalry, and love; folk literature that mocks upper classes, monks, and rulers. Women in working class are already engaged in society thought their work even though there were discrimination. So there was more prejudice and restriction for women in upper class. Using the religion mythology which was important to upper class impact more on society.
I personally thought that Pizan was very clever to use her faith to demonstrate that women are divine and awesome creatures and not some second-class humans. The Catholic church dominated all aspects of life in Pizan’s time, so by leaning on religious values, she avoided being persecuted for her views. Reading some of her passages, I wonder how she did not get burned at the stake for all that heresy! She definitely puts her own spin on what a truly virtuous female is and I wonder how closely the Church read her writing and her interpretations of the bible. I was also pretty amazed she used the likes of Amazons, Queen Semiramis, and Athena as her models of excellence. I mean, in modern times, sure, those are pretty kickass women, but in her day and time? She had some stones, for sure.