Summary Of Devil Women And Women By Joan Young Greggs

So far during this course we have read several handouts, but there was one in particular that stood out to me. Devils, Women, and Jews by Joan Young Gregg presents a modern English version of several different exempla whose main subject is devils, women, or Jews. Gregg relates the “unholy trinity” directly to the devil, women, and Jews. In the introduction to the handout it explains the term exemplum in depth. The term is generally limited to somewhat brief narratives incorporated into sermons, often using illustrations. In my opinion, these exempla do an excellent job of conveying the details of medieval life and society. A new society was forming during the thirteenth century that was very diverse socially and economically. The texts are mainly from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and focus on Christian attitudes toward women, devils, and Jews. It is very important to keep in mind while reading the pamphlet that these narratives were written through the mind of the medieval eye. …show more content…
This particular pamphlet enhanced my understanding of medieval women’s lives and their relation to Christianity. To be more specific, I found tales W1 through W4 very interesting. These tales explain how it was a considered a sin for women to have fashionable and extravagant attire. Women dressing fancy were a religious sin connected to pride. The people during this time felt that the cost of a fashionable dress might be better used to clothe the poor. I do agree that it is important to think of others and be charitable; however, a woman should not be judged by her attire or fashion. Tales W3 and W4 are excellent examples of females being judged and considered sinners for their