Franz Schmidt’s journal entries analyzed in the book The Faithful Executioner relates crucial social and political insight during the sixteenth century as an official governmental executioner. Additionally, readers are able to comprehend the process of becoming an executioner and the societal struggles that develop while being associating with such job. Interestingly, society from early-modern Nuremberg had divided opinions regarding the public executions and the people responsible for handling the task. The book shows evidence that although, people sought for their empire to implement justice towards the criminals, they refused to associate with executioners and their assistants to protect their own reputation.
It is clear that European citizens from the sixteenth century appreciated executions as a sign of authority from their rulers and to observe fairness take …show more content…
Schmidt’s goal during his lifetime and probably the reason to write his journal was to earn his status as an honorable man. Instead, executioners, like him, were viewed with disgust and society “remained wary of inviting them and their family members into their homes.” (Harrington, CHPT. 1) Most importantly, the mentality during the sixteenth century was “anyone who touched an execution structure risked lifelong pollution and back luck.” (Harrington, CHPT. 3) This statement explains the society’s behavior based on the idea that the only time that one should be touched by these men were because the subject did a wrongdoing and was being punished, but if the individual lived an honorable and virtuous life, then there should not be a reason to interact with Schmidt, for instance. Also, such society were “reputation was most valuable” made sure to not act in any way that would be seen as despicable or shameful, even if it is only having a conversation with executioners. (Harrington, CHPT.
It is clear that European citizens from the sixteenth century appreciated executions as a sign of authority from their rulers and to observe fairness take …show more content…
Schmidt’s goal during his lifetime and probably the reason to write his journal was to earn his status as an honorable man. Instead, executioners, like him, were viewed with disgust and society “remained wary of inviting them and their family members into their homes.” (Harrington, CHPT. 1) Most importantly, the mentality during the sixteenth century was “anyone who touched an execution structure risked lifelong pollution and back luck.” (Harrington, CHPT. 3) This statement explains the society’s behavior based on the idea that the only time that one should be touched by these men were because the subject did a wrongdoing and was being punished, but if the individual lived an honorable and virtuous life, then there should not be a reason to interact with Schmidt, for instance. Also, such society were “reputation was most valuable” made sure to not act in any way that would be seen as despicable or shameful, even if it is only having a conversation with executioners. (Harrington, CHPT.