Choose one of the following prompts and write an approximately 500 word essay on the subject, addressing at least two texts from our readings for this exam in the process (you may also reference texts from prior to the midterm). Your essay should be insightful, ordered and should make specific reference to the texts as needed. Please indicate by number which question you are answering.

1. Consider the nature of masculinity and femininity in the romantic context versus in the heroic context. Choose at least two texts from our list for this exam and define/contrast the nature of male and female identity and role focusing particularly on the changes wrought by romance.
2. Compare and contrast medieval views of marriage and love. What is the role of marriage in society? What is the role of romance? What different attitudes do various authors express toward these two? You might want to consider their connections with other medieval institutions and/or ideals.
3. Many medieval texts are about authority and power. Other than the Knight’s Tale (though you may use it as well), choose two or more texts and discuss the nature of authority/power as it is presented. You might consider the power of a concept, an ideal, a character, an institution, a gender, etc. Remember that a discussion of power can be as much about the absence of it in a particular instance as it does the presence of it. What does this suggest about medieval societal structure?