2/5/12

Quotes relating to feudalism

Catherine to diary-

“Today is quarter rent day. My greedy father is near muzzle- witted with glee from geese, silver pennies and wagonloads of manure our tenants pay him.” This shows that Catherine’s father is higher in the class system than them. He is providing protection for them while they work for him. Her father is very pleased with the things they give him such as money, geese and manure. Rollo thinks he’s getting the better of the deal because he gets all these things while all he needs to do is provide protection. Rollo will probably control these people for a really long time because it’s hard to move up in the class system so the people who are working for him will remain there.

Catherine to diary-

“Perkin the goat boy holds no land either, but pays a goat each year as rent for his grandmother’s cottage.” This shows that Perkin owns no land so he is low in his class. People who didn’t own land were low like Perkin and it was common not to own any. Anyone could basically tell Perkin what to do and he would have to listen. His grandmother is unable to take care of herself and Perkin pays for her rent much like today’s society in that when elderly people get sick their family takes care of them.

Catherine to diary-

“The Jews are leaving England by order of the king, who says Jews are Hell-born, wicked, and dangerous.” This shows that Jews weren’t treated well back then and were the lowest on the society scale. They were looked down upon and treated unfairly. People thought they had horns and tails and were evil. Catherine realizes the Jews don’t and cares for them just like everyone else should. This is a lot like today’s society in which discrimination and racism exists.

Catherine to diary-

“The monks didn't even talk to me much or even listen to me much, but they didn't send me away.” This shows how concentrated the monks were on their job. There so religious and nice so when Catherine was talking