Middle Ages 1

I read the Medieval Sourcebook: Peter Abelard: From Sic et Non,1120. In this source Abelard talks about how people write and usually leave interpreting up to the readers. He also discusses how Augustine would notice his errors and correct and retract them. It points out the importance of examining articles and letters and that you should not take them at face value. If you break them down you will open yourself up for discussion on the topic. I found this source to be interesting since it explores the art of writing and a lot of my classes cover the same set of ideas. It is important for everyone to examine writing pieces and discuss them with others, this provides a good way to expand your knowledge and perspective on different topics and educate yourself on others point of views. As an example, some people will read an article and form a different opinion than you since they have different cultural values or experiences. Having knowledge and context on many different topics and discussing them with people of diverse backgrounds is an important part of education.

The second source I read was the Fulbert of Chartres: On Feudal Obligation, 1020. The source was about the mutual duties of Vassals and Lords. It was about needing to remember when addressing a Lord to have certain things in mind so you will bring him benefit in many ways. In fact, Vassals are to also help aid the Lords and the Lords aid the Vassals in the same way. If they do not follow this then they are considered guilty of bad faith. Then in conclusion it talks about the writer’s preoccupation with rebuilding their city and church that was consumed by fire. This is an interesting piece since it covers the relationships of Vassals and Lords, including how they should treat one another. The number of items, not just actions, each had to keep in mind when they interacted with each other was broad and if they failed to keep all of the commitments they were considered guilty of bad faith. This text provided a new perspective on historical relationships and how society was formed on a mixture of classes and responsibilities.