Question Description
This unit has focused on love. Think about how love is treated today and then think about what you’ve read. Discuss some of the differences and some of the similarities you’ve found. This is compare and contrast, so make sure you address both! Consider representations of sacred love, passion, lust and desire, love of family. What is appropriate and what is not? Has that changed?
Below is a discussion post I did a few weeks ago you can use it for help
COURTLY LOVE
Courtly love which is also known as Amour Courtois in French and Fin’amor in Occitan can be described as the concept which revolves around the expression of not only love but also of admiration. The nobility highly used the idea during the medieval era in Europe. The idea was used in secret. Even though the members of aristocracy practised it, the term was never used by married spouses (Boase, 1977).
One of the courtly love terms, that is, amour courtois, can be traced back to 1833. The introduction of the word occurred during the year, and a man named Gaston Paris introduced the word to society. The idea of the term was based on the oral tradition which had been established during the 12th century. The oral tradition dictated the feudal relationship which existed between a knight and the person he held dear in his heart (Jaeger, 2010).
Hence, courtly love or the idea revolving around this term focused on the said relationship which existed between the two parties. The term Amour Courtois has also been used to describe a part of a man’s heart which is eternal. More information which revolves around the definition of the words focuses highly on the loyalty and obedience which will need to be given to the courtly lady by the knight. The party which will be in control of the feudal relationship will be the dignified lady. The knight will, however, have to submit to the courtly lady in the relationship as well as be obedient. The practice was not highly approved at the time. However, the association made sure that the knight was a good servant.
Fin’amors was another expression which was used to express the relationship which existed between the knight and the courtly lady. The bond or love was considered to be a powerful force. The key features which can be found in this form of love were obedience, loyalty and control. Willingness and dedication will have to be given to the courtly lady. The refined lady, on the other hand, would be in control, and any displeasure would have brought a void which would exist between the vassal and the lady (Capellanus, 1990).
The importance of this term is that it contributed to the emergence of not only the romance narratives but also lyric poetry. Even though the practice as outlined in the meaning of the term was not approved, the concept still managed to influence literature. Some of the romance narratives as well as lyric poetry included the Alexander and Havelock the Dane and the legends of Tristan and Isolde, The romance narratives which employed the courtly love concept focused on the devotion of the vassal who would be the hero in the story. The refined lady would be unapproachable. However, only the lady would elevate the status of the knight who would be regarded as a hero (Boase, 1977).
The concept of courtly love also featured various character traits. The traits included techniques which would highly be useful during hunting or when trying to woo the lady. Additionally, the attributes would also focus on the manners of the vassal, mode of dressing and the address of an individual who was superior to the knight. Caritas, on the other hand, has various definitions. The definition is quite close to the description provided for courtly love. Caritas is defined as love. Different interpretations as provided in various sources are that the Latin term will also mean esteem, affection and favour (Capellanus, 1990).
Further definitions of the term will be that Caritas can be regarded as charity. Various sources have established the term can be used to mean the spiritual aspect of love, hence charity. The origin of the word revolves around one particular Hebrew word, that is, ahaba. The term was employed in the Torah, and the definition focused on the care of people, selfless- concern and mature love. There are three aspects of love which were acknowledged in Greece. One of the aspect agape was translated to Caritas. The importance of the term can be seen in the nursing practice. Nursing involves compassion and the caring of the sick as well as the poor. The term Caritas has been highly employed in this practice and has been used as a guiding principle which led to the foundation of the Daughters of Charity. The affection will be given to those who are ill.
