Through following the life of a male member of the 2nd Estate, Enguerrand de Coucy VII (1340-1397), Tuchman first seeks to find the effects on society due to the Black Death, but expands her understanding to other plagues and perils post-Black Death (xiii). The 600-plus page text does so much more than just merely show the effects of the Black Death on European society, it demonstrates the effects of the Crusades, and provides insight into the lifestyle of a typical noble of the 14th century. Tuchman realizes the shortcomings about writing an intimate piece from the Middle Ages and owns up to them early on by addressing how the narrative can be “hard to read,” and there are always “conflicting facts (xvi-xvii).”
With a text this size, there are a going to be multiple themes. One of the most apparent themes is loyalty. Enguerrand becomes a man of two nations: England and France. Born in France, Enguerrand becomes an English Hostage in 1389, and through this imprisonment (if it can really be referred to as such), Enguerrand becomes the son-in-law to the King of England (185, 192). In order to keep his loyalty to both nations, Enguerrand, decides to fight for the Pope in Italy, rather than sacrifice his neutrality (248). His loyalty is rewarded by both nations. When he finally chooses to side with France, his loyalty is rewarded …show more content…
While the text utilizes one man’s life to tell its story, it goes into great depth about the roles that females played. In Medieval society women were quite the paradox. They were seen as “too occupied with children and housekeeping… to give due thought to divine things,” but the Church was the one of the few places that a woman could find power and prestige (211). Catherine of Siena was a prime example of what power women could wield. She was notorious for “settling quarrels and convert(ing) notorious rascals” in a world where women were to be kept in the home and silent