The Struggle for Authority in Medieval and Renaissance Europe
This essay examines the development of a hierarchical world view and the struggle for authority in Europe. It explores how periodical imbalances impacted churches, society, and individuals, using historical and literary examples from writers like Dante Alighieri, Geoffrey Chaucer, and Erasmus. The essay also analyzes feudalism’s impact and its connection to the poem The Song of Roland, along with historical periods like the rise of towns, the decline of the medieval world and churches, and the Renaissance.
Feudalism and Its Impact
Charlemagne, a Germanic king with Christian influence, became Holy Roman Emperor in 800 AD. He incorporated feudalism into Europe by granting conquered lands to lords. Feudalism, a structured system of government based on land ownership, saw lords giving portions of land to vassals in exchange for loyalty and protection. To ensure productivity and profitability, vassals offered protection to peasants who worked the land. Manorialism, the economic basis of feudalism, comprised a tri-partite society: the church, clergy, and serfs.
However, this hierarchical structure proved problematic after Charlemagne’s death in 814 AD. Lords began fighting amongst themselves for land and power. The Song of Roland, written between 1040 and 1115 AD and based on the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778 AD, exemplifies feudalism and the lord-vassal relationship.
Roland, Charlemagne’s loyal vassal, embodies obedience, loyalty, and bravery. Conversely, Ganelon, driven by jealousy, represents a disloyal vassal who disobeys his lord and conspires with the enemy (Muslims). Ganelon’s betrayal, akin to Judas, highlights the importance of loyalty and Christian virtue. This narrative reinforced the idea that being a good Christian meant being a loyal vassal, and those who sided with the enemy should convert or be eradicated.
The Rise of Towns and the Church
Feudalism and its inherent power dynamics influenced the rise of towns and the church during the Middle Ages. The Agricultural Revolution led to a decrease in farmers and a surge in merchants and traders, consequently increasing the population of towns. Merchants and traders formed guilds, communities of workers with similar skills, to provide mutual support and eliminate competition.
Guilds gained power through their wealth, contributing to the church’s growing influence. As the church amassed power, individuals within it began seeking authority in the state, while those in the state sought power within the church. This created confusion among the European populace, who were now torn between multiple authorities.
Individualism and the Decline of the Church
In 1510, an anonymous play titled Everyman emerged, offering guidance amidst the confusion. The play follows Everyman, symbolizing humanity, on a journey. When Death summons him, Everyman seeks companionship but finds himself alone, realizing that only good deeds matter in the face of death. This realization leads to repentance.
Everyman taught people to live righteously and not fear death. It aimed to convey to illiterate Christians that death, controlled by God, is unexpected and inevitable. The play helped Europeans understand God’s purpose through a humanistic lens.
Scholasticism gained popularity, with Thomas Aquinas arguing that human reason could prove God’s existence but not guarantee salvation. The social order remained crucial, comprising those who fight, those who pray, and those who work. The papacy held significant power during this time.
Dante’s Divine Comedy and the Hierarchical Worldview
Dante Alighieri, exiled by the church, wrote the Divine Comedy, reflecting the prevailing thoughts of his time. The poem depicts Dante’s journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, guided by Virgil, representing human reason, and Beatrice, representing divine revelation.
In Inferno, sinners are punished according to their sins, reflecting the hierarchical nature of sin and punishment. The deeper the level of Hell, the graver the sin. Dante emphasizes that sinners choose their fate through their lack of repentance. Virgil and Dante then ascend from Hell, leaving Satan, the King of Inferno, behind.
Purgatory presents a structured system where penitent souls endure punishment to cleanse themselves of sin before entering Heaven. Each of the seven levels corresponds to one of the seven deadly sins. Unlike Hell, souls in Purgatory can progress through the levels, their suffering ultimately leading to holiness.
Beyond Purgatory lies the Earthly Paradise of Eden, where Virgil departs and Beatrice guides Dante into Heaven. Paradise, a radiant realm, consists of nine spheres. Dante encounters saints and biblical figures who impart knowledge about God’s nature. In the ninth sphere, Dante experiences full sanctification, culminating in a vision of God, his heart filled with divine knowledge and love.
The Divine Comedy underscores the significance of the hierarchical worldview, providing a guide for Christian living and the path to salvation.
Challenges to the Church and the Rise of Individualism
Several factors contributed to the decline of the church in the 14th century. The Great Famine (1315-1322) brought hardship and death due to harsh winters and poor harvests. The Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) resulted in widespread destruction and economic turmoil. The Black Death (1347-1351), a devastating plague, decimated Europe’s population.
The church’s decline was further exacerbated by internal corruption and power struggles. The Great Schism, with three men claiming the papacy, created confusion and undermined the church’s authority. These factors fostered individualistic ideas, reflected in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer.
Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and the Changing Social Landscape
Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, written in 1386, portrays the hierarchical view of 14th-century England while highlighting the growing confusion and individualism of the time. The tales follow a group of pilgrims journeying to Canterbury Cathedral, each representing different social classes and perspectives.
Characters like the Wife of Bath, who challenges societal norms with her five marriages and desire for female empowerment, and the Pardoner, who uses his intelligence for personal gain, exemplify the changing attitudes towards authority and morality. These stories reflect how corruption within the church and state fueled individualistic ideas, paving the way for the Renaissance.
The Renaissance: Humanism and Individualism
The Renaissance (1350-1600) witnessed a flourishing of new ideas and perspectives. Humanism emphasized reason and a decreased reliance on the supernatural, leading to advancements in science, history, and literature. Individualism empowered people to consider their purpose in life, contributing to increased literacy and the spread of ideas.
Land and nobility lost their significance as commerce and business became sources of power. Politics and religion intertwined, exemplified by the Medici family, who wielded significant influence through their wealth and patronage of the church. The Medici family produced four popes: Cosimo de’ Medici, Lorenzo de’ Medici, Leo X, and Clement VII.
Erasmus and Christian Humanism
Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536), a Christian humanist, combined reason with faith. He employed satire to critique societal ills, addressing issues like superstition, hypocrisy, war, and folly. Erasmus’s writings reflected the changing intellectual landscape of the Renaissance.
Conclusion
Over 700 years, Christianity and the church profoundly impacted European culture. From the rise and fall of feudalism to the emergence of individualism and the Renaissance, this period witnessed significant shifts in thought and lifestyle. The works of Dante, Chaucer, and Erasmus provide invaluable insights into the evolving relationship between authority, faith, and individual expression during this transformative era.