The Medieval Mind: Insights with Rachel Fulton Brown

Alexander Pope's 'The Dunciad' is a satirical mock-heroic poem that targets dullness and bad taste in literature and society. It employs a highly stylized and witty language, using epic conventions to satirize contemporary writers and critics. The poem's sharp wit and clever use of language make it a significant work in English satire. 'The Dunciad' reflects Pope's concerns about the decline of literary standards and the rise of mediocrity. Its enduring appeal lies in its satirical brilliance and its insightful commentary on the human condition.

The poem tells the story of Sir Gawain, a knight of King Arthur's Round Table, who accepts a challenge from the mysterious Green Knight. Gawain beheads the Green Knight, who then picks up his head and sets a date for Gawain to meet him at the Green Chapel in a year and a day. The narrative follows Gawain's journey to the Green Chapel, where he faces various tests of his honor and chivalry, including encounters with the Lord and Lady of a castle. The poem delves into themes of mortality, the inevitability of death, and the importance of keeping one's word and adhering to knightly duties.

The Ecclesiastical History of the English People is a comprehensive historical account of the English Church from the Roman occupation to Bede's own time, offering valuable insights into early medieval England.

Written around 1623 and published posthumously in 1627, 'New Atlantis' is a philosophical and utopian work by Francis Bacon. The story follows a group of sailors who discover the mysterious island of Bensalem, where they encounter a society governed by a democratically elected parliament and guided by the principles of Salomon’s House, an institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and the study of nature. The novel emphasizes the integration of science and ethics in governance and highlights Bacon’s vision of a society where knowledge and reason are central to human progress and happiness.

Published in 1943, 'The Fountainhead' by Ayn Rand tells the story of Howard Roark, a young and innovative architect who refuses to compromise his artistic vision despite the opposition from society. The novel explores themes of individualism, egoism, and the conflict between those who think for themselves (the 'first-handers') and those who follow the opinions of others (the 'second-handers'). It also delves into the lives of other characters such as Dominique Francon, Peter Keating, Ellsworth Toohey, and Gail Wynand, each representing different aspects of Rand's philosophical ideas. The book is a defense of egoism and individualism, presenting a radical rethinking of basic moral concepts and challenging conventional notions of selfishness and altruism.

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that chronicles the daring deeds of its titular hero, Beowulf. The story begins with Beowulf's journey to help King Hrothgar of the Danes, whose mead hall, Heorot, is terrorized by the monster Grendel. Beowulf kills Grendel and later Grendel's mother, then returns to his homeland to become king of the Geats. After ruling for 50 years, he faces his final battle against a fire-breathing dragon, which ultimately leads to his death. The poem explores themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle between civilization and wilderness.

The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory that follows the journey of Christian, a man burdened by his sin, as he travels from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way, he encounters various characters and obstacles that symbolize spiritual realities. The book is presented as a dream sequence and is divided into two parts, the second part following Christian's wife, Christiana, and her children on a similar journey. The narrative is rich in biblical references and explores themes of redemption, faith, and perseverance.

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.

Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" is an epic poem that allegorically explores the virtues and vices of human nature. Through its intricate narrative and rich symbolism, the poem celebrates the ideals of chivalry, piety, and justice. The poem's characters and events are often interpreted as representing abstract concepts and moral lessons. Its complex structure and allegorical depth have made it a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. Its enduring influence on English literature is undeniable, shaping the development of epic poetry and allegorical writing.

The Summa Theologica is a comprehensive work divided into three parts. The first part deals with God, the creation of the world, angels, and the nature of man. The second part is subdivided into two sections: the first part of the second part discusses general principles of morality and law, while the second part of the second part addresses morality in particular, including individual virtues and vices. The third part, left unfinished by Aquinas, focuses on the person and work of Christ and the sacraments. The work also includes a posthumous supplement that concludes the third part and discusses Christian eschatology. Aquinas drew on Aristotelian and Augustinian influences and aimed to integrate faith and reason in his theological arguments.

Michael Ward's "Planet Narnia" explores the allegorical structure of C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, arguing that the series reflects the imagery of the seven heavens. The book delves into the literary and theological depth of Narnia, revealing its profound Christian symbolism. Ward meticulously examines each book in the series, demonstrating how Lewis subtly incorporated theological concepts and celestial imagery. This analysis challenges the perception of Narnia as mere children's literature, showcasing its rich intellectual and spiritual significance. The book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Lewis's masterpiece.