Discussion Board 4
The theory of predestination proposed and developed by Jean Calvin had an immense impact on the religious beliefs and secular life of Early Modern Times. It states that there are people who were born for salvation and those who were born for destruction and this predestination cannot be changed by the individual’s actions. Calvin in his famous book “Institutes of the Christian Religion” proves that the theory is fair because “we shall never feel persuaded as we ought that our salvation flows from the free mercy of God as its fountain, until we are made acquainted with his eternal election, the grace of God being illustrated by the contrast” (Chapter 21). The acceptance of this doctrine led to the crisis of faith among many. Moreover, its disappointing message made individuals feel powerless. This is fully refers to women who experienced the double understanding of their weakness: they were powerless against the men as well as against the will of the Lord. Locke, the famous English religious poet of the Early Modern times, writes that “Sinne is my nature and my kinde alas, In sinne my mother me conceiued” (“A meditation of a penitent sinner”). She admits her sinfulness in God’s eyes along with the depravity of her mother and thus, the whole women on the world. In her payer Locke does not ask for atonement but for mercy only. She does not feel any powers to control her own fate. On the other hand, Aemilia Lanyer attempts to show another image of woman. In her poem “The Description of Cooke-ham” she writes about the female owner of the mansion in the country of Cooke-ham. Lanyer is sure that the virtue flourishes in the place where women live. Furthermore, the author tries to change the perception of women in the society in her poem “From Salve Deus Rex Judæorum”, where she asks “Let not us Women glory in Mens fall”. The author describes the story of Eva, as a poor soul deceived by cunning Seprent but “If Eve did erre, it was for knowledge sake” and “Yet Men will boast of Knowledge, which he tooke / From Eves faire hand, as from a learned Booke” (Lanyer). The feeling of powerless depressed some females but inspired other to struggle. The writing was the most powerful weapon for those who decided to change the image of women in the society.
Discussion posts
The lives of women of the Early Modern times were really strongly controlled by the men around them. They had to obey to their fathers, brothers and husbands let alone the male authorities and priests in the churches. It is also true that the powerless feeling is shown by the means of writing among the educated females. On the other hand, the ability to educate demonstrated their power and their voice. I agree that the writing is considered to be one of the women’s powers. However, the theory of predestination also discouraged them from the faith as salvation is anyway possible only for the chosen.
Classmate 2
Indeed, the powerless feeling is clearly seen in Locke’s work and Lanyer actually demonstrates the desire to gain the control over her life and wish every other woman could rule their lives. It is also true that both women used bible as their inspiration and operated with quotes to highlight their oppression by men. However, I do not think that Lanyer was considered to be a threat for the men as their power was too strong in the times of Early Modern.
