Centuries Of Childhood Summary

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Review on Centuries of Childhood
In Centuries of Childhood, Philippe Ariès focused on a specific aspect of childhood in history and discussed the ever-changing concept of childhood over time. Philippe Ariès examined notable ideas of childhood in historical times including medieval society, in the fourteenth century, and in seventeenth century to illustrate the transformation of the concept. Philippe Ariès believed the idea of childhood progressed from “did not exist” to “coddling” and “fragile creatures of God” (P 133). Philippe Ariès’s theory was straightforward and convincing to readers since he provided with significant supports such as historical documents, diaries, and books in the time period. Philippe Ariès started with a bold theory …show more content…

Ariès’ theory was quite recognizable by the readers since he illustrated the creation of the concept and historical conception change through examining art work, diaries, letters, and literature in each historical period. However, Philippe Ariès’ theory was acceptable in the overall level except for few issues in question. Firstly, Philippe Ariès focused on the changes in the educational system while potentially underestimated factors of major social, scientific, economic, and political changes from medical era to the seventeenth century. The western society had experienced significant changes in almost every aspects in hundreds of years. Secondly, Ariès’ examinations on the life in medieval society was largely built on depictions from Heroard’s diary and Ariès’ description on life in seventeenth century was depending on J.B de La Salle’s novel. These evidences were largely artworks and may potentially aimed to serve in other purposes. They were not as convincing as historical journals. Overall, Philippe Ariès’ Centuries of Childhood was a fascinating work which help readers study the history of the concept of Childhood and revoked readers to analyze the concept in more details and

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