Question: Analyzing the New Testament's Conception of Adultery

Paper topics:

1. Although the New Testament takes an even harsher stance regarding adultery than the Old Testament, the Christian Medieval literary tradition of courtly love (as evidenced Marie de France’s poetic works, Yonec, Laüstic, and Chaitivel, in the Week 3 folder) curiously seems to ennoble adultery. Papers should begin with a discussion of passages studied in Week 3 from Matthew and 1 Corinthians to explain the New Testament’s conception of adultery to set up the theoretical framework for the analysis. Keeping in mind that Marie de France is Christian, the paper should argue whether she is condemning or ennobling adultery in the assigned stories, Yonec, Laüstic, and Chaitivel, by quoting, analyzing, and citing the text. The thesis should be tested by devoting half of the paper to a serious consideration of the opposing position. The conclusion of the paper should attempt to revise the thesis in light of the arguments raised by the opposing position.
    
2. Using stories rather than laws, Ancient Greek myths provide ethical imperatives in which some behaviours are endorsed and some are condemned. In light of this, the Odyssey presents conflicting views about pleasure. Many passages seem to celebrate food, drink, and sex while other episodes present misdirected indulgence in these same activities (e.g., examples of hospitality, the suitors’ actions throughout the poem, the lotus eaters, Circe, Calypso, Cyclopes). Paper should begin with a discussion of the psychological significance the Judgement of Paris for establishing a theoretical framework for analysis. The paper should quote, cite, and analyze Homer’s Odyssey (Week 5 and 6 folders) to clarify what are acceptable and what are unacceptable forms of desire. The thesis of the paper should affirm whether pleasure is a good thing or pleasure is a bad thing. The thesis should be tested by devoting half the paper to defending the opposing position. The conclusion of the paper should attempt to revise the thesis in light of the arguments raised by the opposing position.

3. Theano argues that a woman should be faithful to her husband even when he has not been. Papers should begin by explaining Theano’s argument to establish a theoretical framework for the analysis. The thesis of the paper should either defend or refute Theano’s argument through a comparative analysis of Penelope from Homer’s Odessey with Clytemnestra from Aeschylus’ Agamemnon. The thesis should be tested by devoting half the paper to a serious consideration of the opposing position. The section devoted to defending Theano should be illustrated through quoting analyzing, and citing Penelope’s actions in Homer’s Odyssey (Week 5 and 6 folders). The section devoted to refuting Theano should be illustrated through quoting, analyzing, and citing Clytemnestra’s actions in Aeschylus’ Agamemnon (Week 4 folder). The conclusion of the paper should revise the thesis in light of the arguments raised in the section where the thesis is tested.

4. Many readers see a double standard in Homer’s Odyssey (Week 5 and 6 folders) in which Odysseus has sexual and romantic adventures while Penelope is expected to be faithful. In contrast one might argue Penelope along with Aphrodite, Circe, Calypso, Helen, and Nausicaa demonstrate sexual and romantic independence. The paper should begin with a discussion of the story of Aphrodite and Ares in the Odyssey 8.250-370 to establish the theoretical framework for the analysis of sexual ethics in the Odyssey. The thesis should defend whether or not women have sexual and romantic agency in the Odyssey. The thesis should be test by devoting half the paper to defending the opposing position.  The conclusion of the paper should revise the thesis in light of the arguments raised in the section where the thesis is tested.

5. Although Agamemnon and Clytemnestra both have committed heinous acts, Aeschylus is using these characters to reflect on the conflicting interest between the good of the community (Agamemnon) and the good of one’s family (Clytemnestra). The paper should begin with a brief discussion of the gender division of labour found in Xenophon’s Economics (Week 4 folder) to set up the theoretical distinction between family and community. Drawing on the different roles of men and women in Xenophon’s Economics, the thesis of the paper should argue whether Agamemnon or Clytemnestra is more justified in their action. The thesis should be tested by devoting half the paper to defending the opposing position. The conclusion of the paper should attempt to revise the thesis in light of the arguments raised by the opposing position. Both sides of the argument should be grounded by quoting, citing, and analyzing Aeschylus’ Agamemnon (Week 4 folder).

6. Despite their points of agreement, early Jewish (Week 2) and early Christian (Week 3) writings – as we have studied in class – have divergent understandings of sexuality. Papers should begin by discussing the way Jewish and Christian authors divergently interpret Genesis 4:1 to set up the theoretical framework for the analysis. The thesis of the paper should affirm which of these two positions presents a better psychological and ethical understanding of sexuality. The thesis should be tested by devoting half of the paper to a serious consideration of the opposing conception. Illustrate both sides of the argument by quoting, analyzing, and citing various assigned religious writings, such as, various Jewish texts from the Week 2 folder: Genesis 1-3 & 38, Proverbs 7, 2 Samuel 11-12, Love and Sex Handout, Biblical Sex Handout; and various Christian texts from the Week 3 folder: 1 Corinthians 6-7, Matthew 5, Early Christian Views of Sexuality Handout, Augustine Handout. The conclusion of the paper should attempt to revise the thesis in light of the opposing position. (**Note: The paper should be based on the historical passages studied regarding early Jewish and Christian views and not about more recent religious writings from either of these traditions. Please keep in mind that books belonging to the Old Testament (e.g. Genesis, Samuel, Proverbs) were written by Jewish authors before Christ, though adopted later as part of the Christian Bible. The Talmud and other writings found on the Week 2 handouts are solely part of the Jewish sacred literature. Likewise, the New Testament is solely Christian and not part of Jewish scripture.)

STUDY TIPS / DRAFT:

Analyzing the New Testament's Conception of Adultery:

To understand the Christian Medieval literary tradition of courtly love, as exemplified in Marie de France's works (Yonec, Laüstic, and Chaitivel), it is essential to first explore the New Testament's stance on adultery as outlined in passages from Matthew and 1 Corinthians. These passages will provide the theoretical framework for analyzing whether Marie de France is condemning or ennobling adultery in her writings.

New Testament's Conception of Adultery: In the New Testament, the concept of adultery is discussed in several passages, with notable references in the Gospel of Matthew and the First Epistle to the Corinthians.

1. Matthew 5:27-28: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of adultery. He states, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This passage emphasizes that even thoughts of adultery are sinful.

2. 1 Corinthians 6:18: In this letter, the apostle Paul warns against sexual immorality, saying, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body." This passage underscores the gravity of sexual sins, including adultery, within the Christian context.

Marie de France's Works: Yonec, Laüstic, and Chaitivel: Marie de France was a Christian writer living in the medieval period, and her works often incorporated themes of courtly love, a genre that celebrated love affairs outside of marriage. However, the question arises as to whether she was condemning or ennobling adultery in her writings.

Ennobling Adultery in Marie de France's Works: One perspective suggests that Marie de France ennobles adultery by portraying it in a romantic and idealized manner. In her stories, she often presents adulterous relationships as passionate and intense, with characters willing to risk everything for love. For example, in "Yonec," the love between the married woman and Yonec is depicted as deep and profound, transcending societal norms. This can be seen as a form of ennoblement, as it elevates the emotional aspect of adultery.

Condemning Adultery in Marie de France's Works: On the other hand, it can be argued that Marie de France does not necessarily condone adultery but rather explores the complexities of human emotions and the consequences of forbidden love. While her characters engage in adulterous affairs, they often face tragic outcomes or moral dilemmas. For instance, in "Chaitivel," the knight Chaitivel's adulterous pursuit ultimately leads to his downfall and punishment. This could be interpreted as a cautionary tale, implying that Marie de France is not endorsing adultery but rather highlighting its destructive potential.

Revising the Thesis: In light of the arguments raised by both perspectives, it is reasonable to revise the thesis. Marie de France's approach to adultery in her works is multifaceted. While she does romanticize adulterous love in some instances, she also presents the negative consequences and moral conflicts associated with such relationships. Rather than a clear stance of condemnation or ennoblement, her stories reflect the complexity of human emotions and societal norms in the context of courtly love.

In conclusion, Marie de France's exploration of adultery in "Yonec," "Laüstic," and "Chaitivel" is nuanced and does not fit neatly into either a condemnation or ennoblement framework. Her writings invite readers to ponder the complexities of love, morality, and human nature within the context of the Christian medieval literary tradition of courtly love.