Ladies and Gentleman Cultures Change Dramatically Over Essay

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Ladies and Gentleman

Cultures change dramatically over time, and thus how we view different cultural and societal roles have also changed. In a modern context, where women are fighting for greater equality, what is considered gentlemanlike and ladylike has evolved since the time of Baldassare Castiglione's The Courtier. Although some elements remain relatively similar when comparing a modern idea of what a gentleman is, there are a number of clear distinctions that have changed dramatically.

Castiglione's The Courtier presents a very clear and defined sense of what it was like to be a gentleman and lady back in the 1500s, when it was written. Published in 1528, the work outlines both the characteristics of a gentleman, or courtier, and a perfect lady written in the style of fictional conversations. From this description, a character type can be generated, which can then be tested against the more modern connotation of gentleman characteristics. According to Castiglione, a gentleman is one who is level headed, thus not allowing anger or other emotion to drive his behavior. Still, he has a strong voice that uses eloquent language, being extremely well spoken and saying the right thing at all occasions. Here, Castiglione writes, "it is necessary to arrange what is to be said or written in its logical order, and after that to express it well in words that, if I am not mistaken, should be appropriate, carefully chosen, clear and well formed," (Castiglione 1903 p 45). The gentleman is intelligent, having devoted himself to studying arts and letters.

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This is accompanied with the intense passion of a warrior, which can be used in order to further his endeavors in noble deeds. Moreover, the typical gentleman is athletic and strong, being able to stay active both for sport and for necessity. Finally, the typical gentleman is not gaudy, but refined. In this sense, the gentleman never boasts, but is still well of without making a mockery of himself and his status.

The work also portrays the typical characteristics of what it is like to be a lady as well. A lady of the court is well-mannered, and never indulges in gossip or disrespecting others of any status. She is also refined and intelligent, although she was not expected to be as intelligent as her gentleman. Rather, she has a good head on her shoulders, and knows about the world through her constant employment of her common sense. Additionally, she is modest and soft spoken, not exuding the passion that is reserved for the position of the gentleman. The typical lady is seen as loving and caring, not gregarious or facetious. In this sense, she is extremely affable and courteous, being both the best hostess and guest when different occasions call for different mannerisms and hospitality. Therefore, she is respectful as well as kind. This all comes with a physical beautiful. The typical lady….....

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