10/15 Medieval Lyrics #7B

Religion
"A Hymn to Holy Women," describes a women receiving salvation with the analogy of a later that she wants to climb with Christ at the top reaching down to her and a Satan at the foot of the ladder keeping people from it. The poem is very clear. Women, and all men in general, have fallen from the ladder because of Eve's sin. The beast that knocks people from the later is obviously the devil. We can see this through the titles given to him- "dragon," "envious one," and "impious serpent-" and also the statements of him as deceiving people and owning sinner. The image of Christ at the top of the ladder, reaching down and then fighting the creature is a clear image of His salvation for us. The poem narrates the story of salvation. First, the woman is at the bottom of the ladder, unable to climb because of Satan. Then Christ dies for us, beats Satan so that we can keep salvation, and allow her to climb the "ladder of love of Christ." Next the author describes the change in the women who are saved. Women become righteous, raise Godly children, and give up promiscuous ways. Women can become heroes for spurring their children in Christian ways, like the Virgin Mary. The last event in the story describes believers worshipping Christ, who saves us, together.

Love
"Lover's Prize" and "Aubade" are both good examples of Medieval courtly love. In "Lover's Prize," describes a married woman who is in love with a knight, a common theme in Medieval literature. She gave him her heart and he claimed that she did not love him. According to her, all he wants is to lie with her in place of her husband. She wants this as well, but only if he were "to do all I'd want to do." She as the lord, and the knight as her loyal vassal. This fits in with the idea of chivalry and courtly love. Similarly, "Aubade" describes the affair of two lovers. However, their love offers a sweeter picture. This poem is from the point of view of both the man and woman, and their love is definitely requited, unlike the pair in "Lover's Prize." But this poem presents the idea of courtly love. The woman is married and her lover is most likely a nobleman of somekind. It says that the lady "holds her heart loyally in love." The idea of a loyal and the other aspects that appear in "Aubade" and "Lover's Prize" are based in courtly love.