Medieval Life, Literature, and Social Structure: Estates, Feudalism, and Chivalry

What are the three estates in the Middle Ages?

Clergy, Nobles, and Commoners.

What was the primary purpose of the Clergy in the Middle Ages?

To save everyone's soul.

What was the role of Nobles during the Middle Ages?

To protect the people and provide justice.

What was the economic system prevalent during the Middle Ages?

Feudalism.

What did peasants receive in return for farming land on a feudal manor?

Protection from bandits.

What were the Seven Deadly Sins according to the Church?

Pride, Greed, Wrath, Envy, Gluttony, Sloth, Lust.

What major event spread along trade routes during the Middle Ages?

The Black Death.

How did the Black Death paradoxically affect cities?

It led to job growth and the elimination of many debts.

What was a significant consequence of the Crusades on the Church?

The Church became corrupt, with popes fighting for power.

What language was primarily used in Medieval literature?

Latin.

What is a characteristic of Medieval literature?

It often includes romance, heroism, and a Christian message.

What is a ballad?

A story told in poem form, usually in quatrains with an abcb rhyme.

What are Miracle/Mystery Plays?

Retold Bible stories or stories of saints, written by clergymen.

What is the purpose of Morality Plays?

To teach a moral lesson through allegorical stories about ordinary people.

What is the Code of Chivalry?

A code of knightly behavior emphasizing faith, valor, loyalty, and courtesy.

What is Courtly Love?

A relationship modeled on the feudal bond between a knight and his liege lord.

What is the significance of allegory in Medieval literature?

It teaches moral lessons through stories that can be read on two levels.

What is a characteristic of folk ballads?

They are passed down orally with no known author.

What was the role of Catholic clerics in Medieval society?

They were the intellectual center and produced the greatest quantity of literature.

What does the term 'kenning' refer to in Medieval literature?

A metaphorical compound word or phrase used to describe something.