Learning Goal: I’m working on a art writing question and need a sample draft to help me learn.
Your goal is to write an essay (no less than 600 words) about the
medieval pilgrimage experience. Read all three articles (see syllabus).
The Pilgrims Guide is a twelfth-century source (it is posted on D2L, in
Week 6 folder). The article by Cyntia Hahn is also posted in Week 6
folder, as are the chapters by Patrick Geary.
As you are reading the texts consider the following questions:
1. How does the pilgrimage experience contribute to/build a Christian
identity?
2. How do the pilgrims relate to the locals (as discussed in the Pilgrims
Guide)? What kinds of local cultural practices does he pay attention to?
3. Analyze the financial/economic implications of pilgrimage. How does
it contribute to local communities? What (if anything) are the locals
doing to benefit from the people coming?
4. Identify the elements of infrastructure/accommodation that the
pilgrims are interested in and require.
5. Why are relics important in medieval Christian devotion?
6. How are relics presented to the pious audiences?
In your essay make sure to also address the following questions:
-Why did people go on a pilgrimage?
-How did they interact with saints?
-Why were the relics displayed in costly containers?
