During the High Middle Ages, some prominent women changed the narrative about the role of women in the society. Aethelthryth’s behavior, for example, represents change. Her involvement in religious activities was the defining point. At that time in history, a woman’s role revolved around the household. However, Aethelthryth chose to remain a virgin. Bede Says, “Though she lived with him for twelve years she still preserved the glory of perfect virginity” (202). She did not bear him children, though a woman of her status was expected to bear children to ensure that power remained within the family after the death of the king. Her behavior shows that she was trying to challenge the status quo. By refusing to give in to the sexual advances of her husband, Aethelthryth implied that a woman’s role in marriage was not to simply satisfy the sexual desires of her husband. In addition, by going to work in a monastery, she was involuntarily implying that women could hold influential roles in the society away from the homestead. She was interested in achieving her dreams, and marriage would not stand in her way to the achievement of her dreams.
However, the story of Agnes is one that represents continuity. Involvement in charity work was something that was expected of women. Women were expected to show mercy because of the assumption that they were “soft.” The duties assigned to them did fit perfectly with this expectation. Agnes chose to live a life of philanthropy. She was generous to the poor and helped those in need. “She had most wisely disposed of her property for use of the poor and churches” (“Berthold of Reichenau” 194). She personally made clothes for the poor, and paid visits to the sick (“Berthold of Reichenau 194”). All these are acts that show mercy and piety. The roles fit very well with the expectations of the society during that period.
Despite these differences, it is evident that the involvement of women in religious matters had a significant effect on their lives. Involvement in religious matters started to change the perspective on women and their roles. The change was not spontaneous rather it happened gradually. Religion opened the way for women to be involved in other activities outside their homes. However, the involvement in charity work was a stabilizing factor in their lives.
Works Cited
Bede. The Ecclesiastical History of the English People. Translated by Bertram Colgrave. Edited with Introduction and Notes by Judith McClure and Roger Collins. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999. Print.
Berthold of Reichenau. Chronicle: The Second Version. In Eleventh-Century Germany: The Swabian Chronicles. Translated by I.S. Robinson. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2008.
