A Corruption of Values
In a day and age where riches could corrupt the humblest of people, ones eternal fate could be determined by a human priest, and there was a code for all to live by that should have maintained absolute peace, there was scheming and betrayal in love and war. Although, we're aware of what it's thought to be like in the middle ages, most of that knowledge can be taken from the literature of the day. Conceptions of the rules and powers during that time are pellucidly expressed through the epic tale, The Song of Roland, and the ballad, Sir Patrick Spens. These two great works were both originally performed for the two extremes of classes; The Song of Roland for the higher and middle classes, and Sir Patrick Spens for the peasantry and lower class. This choice of audience has a major influence of what will take place in them due to the standards of the day. When comparing and contrasting the plots, characters, and their actions taken in The Song of Roland and Sir Patrick Spens, the various literary elements used, reveal to the reader some major beliefs and values of the
Roland dies honorably in battle, and blowing his horn for the king. The religious leader that is at war with Roland and his men also reveals the power religion has on the people. Roland betrays his men, and jeopardizes their lives. This is also one requirement broken by both Ganelon and Roland. The importance of religion is not demonstrated in Sir Patrick Spens, because there is no use of prayer for safety of his men or anything. In both pieces of literature the importance of women in the Middle Ages society is not revealed, there is but a mention of the women back home who they long to see once more after enduring their mission, with Roland it's his fiance (Oliver's sister), and with Sir Patrick Spens the ladies are not specified. In Sir Patrick Spens, Sir Patrick also demonstrates honor and dignity in accepting his mission against his will. For a large part of the epic, near his death, Roland is praying to God calling on mercy of his men before himself, and this is immensely honorable. He obeys his Kings orders, just as is required in the Code of Chivalry. Ganelon betrays Roland by putting him into a situation which assures him death, instead of loving and protecting his stepson. The code of chivalry was the basis for the middle ages of how nobles, peasants, the clergy, etceteras, should act. When he sees how great in number their enemy army is, he should have called the king for assistance, but he lets his pride and ego, his fatal flaws, take control of him and does not do what is in his heart that he knows to be moral. When one turns their back on their family, it is not only wrong in the Middle ages, but immoral as well in modern times. The code declared many things that one must do in order to be virtuous such as believing all that the Church teaches, Defend the Church, Love the country in which one was born, Perform scrupulously ones feudal duties, Never lie, Be generous to everyone, Administer justice, Protect the innocent, Exhibit self control, Show respect to authority, Respect women, Fight with honor, Avenge the wronged, Never abandon a friend, ally, or noble cause, Fight for the ideals of king, country, and chivalry, Die with valor and honor, Be polite and attentive, and many more requisites calling on honorable, strong, courageous, honest, and obedient actions.
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