Book Of The Cities Of Ladies Analysis

Nature – such a usual and seemingly insignificant word. When one thinks of the word “nature”, one thinks of the grassy plains, trees, rivers, mountains, flowers, and animals. If one looks up synonyms for the word “nature” on Microsoft Word, the synonyms will be wildlife, landscape, and countryside, because that is how people typically define the word “nature” in today’s time; however, the term “nature” seems to have had a different meaning in 1405, which is when the Book of the Cities of Ladies was written. In the Book of the Cities of Ladies, the term “nature” is not used to describe wildlife as one would expect, instead the term “nature” has two other different meaning that reflects the major theme/topic of the story, which is the extraordinary

The word “nature” is used in the text to describe the typical characteristics of women. For example, the quote “it is undeniable that women are by nature fearful creatures, having weak, frail bodies and lacking in physical strength”, is stating that women generally are fearful, weak, and frail by nature, which is just describing women’s typical characteristics. The word “nature” and its meaning is extremely significant and reflects the overall theme of the Book of the city of Ladies because the whole text is about revealing and discussing the true nature of women, since women are usually depicted in a negative light by men. As the author/character Christine states, “an extraordinary thought became planted in my mind, which made me wonder why on earth do so many men, both clerks and others, have said and continue to say and write such awful, damning things about women and their ways”, she is thinking upon the slander of women and starts to conclude that all the appalling depictions of women must be true, which is when the three goddesses, Reason, Rectitude, and Justice, appear to rebuke her thoughts. The three goddesses’ purpose is to explain to Christine the true nature of women and that men’s depiction of women’s nature and ways is false. First, the three goddesses explain how the nature of most women, which is being weaker than men, is a blessing as the text states,

Phrases such as “she is a such a strong woman,” and “I am a strong woman” are very popular, because women still esteem women who possess great strength — whether it be physical or mental strength. Women may not be conquering land and enemies like Semiranis, but women are still conquering other fierce battles, such as abuse, addiction, illness, death, inequality, and so much more. Therefore, think not that women do not possess the strength and fight in battles like from the times of old, but instead understand that women still do have that amazing Amazon strength, it just that for many the battles are depression, divorce, et cetera. Women may not be creating alphabets like Nicostrata or inventing sciences like Minerva, but women are still channeling the same intelligence that the ancient renowned women channeled. Thousands of women are involved in science, technology, literature, and arts. Like Semiranis who was a leader and warrior, there are countless female politicians and females soldiers. In conclusion, one should not read this text in awe that women were able to do incredible things, but instead one should read this text in astonishment that women are