What I Learned

I believe the most interesting thing that I learned in this class was the concept of sexuality in the Middle Ages, with regards to both men and women.

Homosexuality wasn't really acknowledged, at least, the difference between a man having sex with a man or a woman weren't considered entirely different nor put into different sexuality categories like they are today. Emphasis was placed on what we would define as 'hetero' relationships, but that was for child bearing purposes, not necessarily societal outcasting.

Homosexual sex and other non missionary sex was considered a 'waste of semen' and not for child bearing purposes, and was thus frowned upon, but not to any outrageous level.

Also, the idea of God and Jesus preferring 'pure virgins' was widely accepted and encouraged in this time period, discouraging any type of sex at all. There are many references in literature to purification: physically, sexually, and emotionally. The desire to be 'pure' for to earn Jesus and God's favor was widely preferred and idealized by many, and it is reflected in their literature. They took communion and refused many sexual encounters as a method to keep themselves 'pure'. Also, 'purity' was equally desired among men and women, and wasn't as one sided as it is today. Women were nearly if equal in being 'cleansed' of sexual encounters as men.

I learned a lot in terms of sexual identity, and I will carry this knowledge when I continue to read and analyze Middle English Literature.