Due-Date: Friday October 12 in class
 

I. SHORT ANSWERS (25 points each): Write a response of at least 1 full page each to two (2) of the following questions.  Try to answer each question as directly as possible, and try to use specific examples wherever possible.

1. Why do some historians consider Wiglaf to be a central character to any understanding of the culture of the world of Beowulf? In other words, what does he represent, and why is this so significant in Germanic culture?

2. In what ways is the Agreement between Hugh of Lusignan and William of Aquitaine a perfect example of the world of lordship? Use the text to describe the central features of lordship.

3. Discuss the relative impacts of St Perpetua, St Ambrose, and St Vincent of Lerins on the development of Christianity.

4. Using your knowledge of medieval notions of social organization and lordship, defend Ganelon from Charlemagne’s accusation.

5. If Roland is considered a hero to medieval people living around 1100, what are the specific characteristics that mark him as heroic?

6. How Germanic was King Alfred? Use examples from the texts.
 

II. LONG ESSAY (50 points): Construct a well-organized analytical essay of at least 3 full pages that responds to one (1) of the following questions.  Failure to use primary sources to illustrate your general points will result in a reduction in your grade for the essay.

1. Compare and contrast the world of Charlemagne with the world of Hugh of Lusignan, paying particular attention to social structures, politics, and law and order. In what ways were the two periods similar? In what ways were they different? Use lots of specific examples from these sources (and others - Roland, perhaps?) to illustrate your points.

2. Which genre of source - law codes, biographies of kings, or epic stories (e.g. The Song of Roland) is most useful to historians interested in uncovering the history of the Middle Ages? Or is this a valid question?  Be sure to discuss what each type of source can tell us (and give examples throughout) as well as what each type of source cannot tell us.  Make sure to discuss each type of source.

3. Compare and contrast the relative influence of the Roman Empire and Germanic culture on the beliefs and institutions of Charlemagne and Alfred’s empires.  Which of these two backgrounds had a greater influence on Early Medieval kingship and politcis?  Provide as many examples as possible from the primary sources.

4. Given what you know about early medieval society and culture and what you know about the world of the 10th and 11th centuries, why should it be obvious that The Song of Roland was written in 1100 and not, for instance, in 800?  Or is this obvious? Why or why not? Use examples from Roland and other appropriate primary sources.

5. Imagine that St. Perpetua, King Alfred, and Archbishop Turpin (from Roland) meet in a tavern and begin to discuss the ideal Christian life. How would each of these individuals define Christianity? What expectations would they have for Christian behavior? In what ways would their views differ? In what ways would they be similar?

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