From my analysis of the first chapter of “The Flowering of the Mediaeval Ages” entitled “The Structure of Mediaeval Society” I concluded that medieval society had various structures. I believe that mediaeval society could be characterized by social statuses and by power structures. These social statuses include the destitute, wealthy, monarchy and hierarchy and power structures which includes the authoritative role of the church.
The first passage of chapter one entitled “The Pope and the beggar” highlights the impoverished nature of many during the middle ages. Understandably, faith was important to many that were deprived of wealth and so beggars looked to the church for guidance, help and comfort. Beggars attempted to meet with Popes in…show more content… It describes the writings of Sugar who portrays the strenuous character and leadership of Louise VI. The passage details the life of the King and how he was foreseen. King Louis VI “repressed lawlessness’s” and exercised royal justice. The passage mentions the attack on the Rheims and how Louis VI prayed to God for guidance and direction. He asked the divine to spare his land and his people and bring rife victory to his country. Prophetically, this was to happen and King Louis audaciously rewarded Monks for their good work with numerous gifts and various benefits. The passage itself evokes the sense that the church had a large hold over monarchies during the medieval period. Nevertheless it stresses the power of the hierarchy but also their dependence on the church and so it is clear that the structure of medieval society was also built on faith and the undisputed power of the…show more content… It stresses the work of a landlord and a “townmen” and their values. The following passage discusses the idea of salvation. The lavish buildings of the most powerful in mediaeval society “catered for the salvation of the soul”. Large money was spent on churches and monasteries for entry at the “gates of heaven”. Crusades were associated with salvation however it was the idea of a pilgrimage that many explored as a guarantee for their entry into heaven. Numerous churches had relics of saints and many were attracted to go on a pilgrimage to view these relics, but also in other countries and for those whose sins needed redemption they undertook the pilgrimage to the holy land itself. The idea of a revolt or war spread and for many they believed that a lance or sword could be used for God’s work. The pope in the 11th century supported a holy war for the defence of the Christendom. The crusades expended the “Christendom” in the 12th and 13th century and they also brought a sort of peace to the lands in the west. In conclusion, it remains clear that the power of the church was immense. It also highlights the power of the divine and how many lived their life in accordance to what the church preached and in order to appease