Question

Using evidence from the readings, compare and contrast the arguments made by the two historians, and evaluate the appropriateness of the Renaissance as the beginning of a new era in human history—especially in women’s history.

Answer 1

Margret L. King's article made arguments about the sheer influence of women leading in place of men and their significant contributions during the Renaissance era. Men during that time period thought women should not rule and many women did not rule with complete power. Men during the time period talked about how terrible a female ruler would be and how it would be an action taken against nature. However, few women did rule, such as Catherine de' Medici and Elizabeth, daughter of the Tudor king of England. They guided reform, made prominent changes, and battled controversy against them from men who opposed female rule. Many women dismissed the idea of sexes and did not let their gender hold them back from power.

Joan Kelly-Godal's article, on the other hand, focuses on the turbulent nature of women during this time period. She describes the lady of the court as demure and almost as an object. Rather than being presented as assertive, the woman is described mostly as being used for the man's needs and image. She was there solely for him and did not have much influence or power. While a Renaissance lady appears equivalent to the male counterpart, her main job was to charm and be pretty for her husband rather than be pretty for herself as a person. This oppression of females gives off the idea that women did not have their Renaissance, since men restricted many things upon them.

These two articles drastically differ from each other and show the contrasting experiences women went through during the Renaissance era. While the first article describes women as gaining power and changing the people's views and rules, the second article describes the lady of the court as demure and an object for the man. Both articles pinpoint the men's constraints on women during the Renaissance and how there were multiple people against women gaining power.

Based on both articles, however, the Renaissance was a result of the reincarnation of ancient classical texts emphasizing the equality of genders as well as a reborn interest in European culture with arts and science. Due to these drastic changes in perspective, the Renaissance can be appropriately termed as the beginning of a new era, especially for the female population.

Answer 2

Appropriateness of the Renaissance as the beginning of a new era in human history:

Based on the comparison of arguments made by the two historians, it can be said that Renaissance is a result of both

1. Reincarnation of ancient classical texts emphasising many issues including that of the equality of men and women presented back again in vernacular language.
2. Rebirth of the European culture with the help of arts and science.

From the given elaboration and considering the aftermath of the period of Renaissance, it can be appropriately termed as Renaissance was truly the beginning of a new era also concerning women.