Le Trésor De La Cité Des Dames De Degré En Degré Et De Tous Estatz
Le Trésor De La Cité Des Dames De Degré En Degré Et De Tous Estatz
Le Trésor De La Cité Des Dames, written by Christine de Pizan in the late 14th century, is a historical treatise that serves as a guide for women, especially those of high status. Through the allegorical figures of Raison, Droiture, and Justice, the book outlines virtues and moral lessons essential for queens, princesses, and noblewomen to lead virtuous lives. It provides insights into the daily life of women in medieval society and emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, humility, and responsibility, offering a counter-narrative to male perspectives of the time.
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“Ah, child and youth, if you knew the bliss which resides in the taste of knowledge, and the evil and ugliness that lies in ignorance, how well you are advised to not complain of the pain and labor of learning.””
— de Pisan Christine
“Women particularly should concern themselves with peace because men by nature are more foolhardy and headstrong, and their overwhelming desire to avenge themselves prevents them from foreseeing the resulting dangers and terrors of war. But woman by nature is more gentle and circumspect. Therefore, if she has sufficient will and wisdom she can provide the best possible means to pacify man.””
— de Pisan Christine
“There is absolutely no shame in living within your income, however small it may be, but there is shame if creditors are always coming to your door.””
— de Pisan Christine
“A woman with a mind is fit for any task.””
— de Pisan Christine
“There is quite often argument and discord, as much in outlook as in conversation, between old people and young ones, to the point that they can hardly stand each other, as though they were members of two different species.””
— de Pisan Christine
“What, my studious daughter, have you already put away the tool of your intelligence and consigned it to silence? Have you let your ink dry and abandoned your pen and the labour of your right hand, when you used to take such pleasure in it? Do you now intend to take seriously the propaganda of Laziness, who, if you are inclined to believe it, will sing sweetly to you: "You have done enough. It is time that you had a rest."'But don't you know that, although after great labour the wise person rests [their] mind, now is not the time to abandon good work? It is not like you to be among those who give up in mid-course. The knight who leaves the field of battle before the moment of victory is deeply shamed, for the laurel wreath belongs to those who persevere. Now stand up and make your hand ready; get up out of the ashes of indolence!””
— de Pisan Christine
About Le Trésor De La Cité Des Dames De Degré En Degré Et De Tous Estatz
Chapter Summaries
- Prologue
- Christine dedicates her work to Queen Anne of France and explains how the three divine ladies (Reason, Righteousness, and Justice) appeared to her, commanding her to write this treasury of wisdom for women of all social ranks.
- 1
- The first and most fundamental teaching: that noble women must above all love and fear God, as this is the foundation of all wisdom and virtue from which all other good qualities flow.
- 2
- Description of the various temptations that face women of high rank, including pride, luxury, revenge, and the accumulation of wealth through questionable means.
Key Themes
- Divine Feminine Wisdom
- The three allegorical ladies represent divine wisdom specifically addressed to women, suggesting that God provides special guidance for feminine virtue and conduct.
- Social Hierarchy and Virtue
- The work emphasizes that true nobility comes from virtue rather than birth, while still acknowledging the practical realities of medieval social stratification.
- Christian Morality and Salvation
- All teachings are grounded in Christian doctrine, emphasizing that earthly conduct determines eternal salvation, with special attention to feminine piety.
Characters
- Christine de Pizan(protagonist)
- The author and narrator who receives divine instruction from three allegorical ladies. She serves as the humble scribe recording their teachings for the benefit of all women.
- Reason (Raison)(major)
- One of three allegorical divine ladies who appears to Christine. She represents rational thought and wisdom, providing moral and practical guidance to women of all social classes.
- Righteousness (Droicture)(major)
- The second allegorical divine lady who embodies moral rectitude and proper conduct. She teaches women how to live virtuously according to Christian principles.
- Justice(major)
- The third allegorical divine lady representing divine justice and fairness. She completes the trinity of virtues guiding women toward salvation and proper behavior.
- Queen Anne of France(minor)
- The royal patron to whom Christine dedicates this work. She represents the highest earthly authority for women and serves as the primary example of noble feminine leadership.
