6 Matching Annotations
  1. Mar 2024
    1. and the laskard, for those that are costive in their belly, because it will make them gush out, and squirt the length of a hunter’s staff

      This sentence likely refers to a remedy or treatment for constipation. The term "laskard" may be a reference to a laxative believed to help relieve constipation by causing a strong and forceful bowel movement. The description of "gush out" and "squirt the length of a hunter’s staff" is a very detailed depiction of the action of clearing the bowels. This is yet another of many examples of Rabelais' crude and unapolegetic references to usually unmentionable bodily functions.

    2. “Nay,” said the monk, “the wine service, let us behave ourselves so that it be not troubled; for you yourself, my lord prior, love to drink of the best, and so doth every honest man. Never yet did a man of worth dislike good wine, it is a monastical apophthegm. But these responses that you chant here, by G—, are not in season. Wherefore is it, that our devotions were instituted to be short in the time of harvest and vintage, and long in the advent, and all the winter?

      This passage portrays a humorous attitude towards religious traditions, and it reflects the author's frequent attempts to satirize all aspects of life including religion. The monk's comments about the importance of good wine and the timing of devotions portrays contradictions within religious institutions. The author adds a comedic element to the narrative while also questioning the sincerity and effectiveness of religious rituals by juxtaposing the monk's appreciation for wine with his critique of the length of devotions during different seasons. This passage also reflects the author's knowledge of and immersion in traditional Christian beliefs. The concept of seasons is a common theme in Christianity; for example Ecclesiastes 3:1 says "for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." Rabelais' religious commentary and views were highly controversial and divisive. Protestants and Catholics who read his work labeled him "an obscene Lucianic atheist," yet he was admired and supported by some important figures, including Francis I and Cardinal Jean Du Bellay.

      https://www.unity.org/bible-interpretations/ecclesiastes-31-8-everything-there-season-and-time-every-matter-under-1

      https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/biographical/rabelais-francois-c-1483-1553/v-1 (Encyclopedia of philosohpy)

    1. “That is sooth,” quoth the other, “I grant you that same; and I have fairly won this within walls, and with as good will do I yield it to ye.” With that he clasped his hands round the lord’s neck and kissed him as courteously as he might. “Take ye here my spoils, no more have I won; ye should have it freely, though it were greater than this.”

      In this section, the Green Knight reveals his true identity as Lord Bertilak, who had tested Sir Gawain's honor and integrity through a series of challenges. Sir Gawain, realizing that he had failed to uphold his end of the bargain by accepting the lady's green girdle as a token of her affection, confesses his mistake and offers to return it to Lord Bertilak. This moment is significant because of Sir Gawain's humility and honesty in admitting his fault, as well as his willingness to face the consequences of his actions. By returning the green girdle and accepting his mistake, Sir Gawain demonstrates his commitment to the code of chivalry and the importance of truth and honor in his knightly duties.

    2. hauberk and helm

      The hauberk was a very common form of body defense throughout Europe until around 1350, when full plate armor was developed. A hauberk was a long upper garment that often reached down to the knee and is more commonly known as chain mail today. Under the hauberk, knights wore a padded undergarment called an aketon. The helm was a type of helmet with a hinged visor that knights often wore.

      https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1916.1817

  2. Feb 2024
    1. Yea! whoso, shaking off the yoke of flesh Lives lord, not servant, of his lusts; set free From pride, from passion

      I notice a parellel between the theme here and Biblical themes in Christianity. Both texts focus on dying to the fleshly self and rising above human feelings in order to do the will of God (or a higher power) and dedicate oursleves to something greater than our natural physical wants and needs. Galations 5:24, for example, says, "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." In Christianity, there is an emphasis on the battle between spirit and self; Mathew 26:41 "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak" Similarly, the Bhagavad Gita discusses a war within the self and also the three Gunas. It is interesting to learn how completely different religions can hold such similar beliefs.