After reading a book by Matheolus which suggested that women are immoral and unvirtuous Christine realized Matheolus was not the only one who perceives women in this way, but nearly all of society has this perception of women. In response to this justification to repress women in society Christine wrote The Book of the City of Ladies, which was published in 1405. In the beginning …show more content…
Unlike her father, Christine’s mother, wished her to follow the common custom of women of her time and remain in the domestic realm. Her mother’s wish was the major obstacle to her being more involved in the sciences (Pisan). Christine discusses education with Lady Reason, “I am amazed by the opinion of some men who claim that they do not want their daughters, wives, or kinswomen to be educated because their mores would be ruined as a result” (Pisan). Suggesting that men in society prefer women to be uneducated because that’s how it’s always been. Lady Reason responds to this notion with, “it must not be presumed that mores necessarily grow worse from knowing the moral sciences, which teach the virtues, indeed, there is not the slightest doubt that moral education amends and ennobles them”. Lady reason provides Christine a logical argument for why women should be given the same educational opportunities as men, “How could anyone think or believe that whoever follows good teaching or doctrine is the worse for it” …show more content…
The humanitarian Queen Ceres whom is considered to be a hero because she rescued barbarian nomads from the wilderness and ignorance. Queen Ceres brought the nomads from the forest to the orderly society of cities and towns (Pisan). Consequently, the nomads lives were enriched with education and occupations which severed the needs of society (Pisan). The humanitarian Isis whom taught the graft form of propagating plants and trees for human consumption. Her efforts were also of great value to society (Pisan). Another historically significant woman to society mentioned in the book is Minerva. Minerva invented the art of building carts and chariots, she also taught knights how to manufacture coats of mail style body armor (Pisan). Christine further validates her point of view that women have contributed to society with useful things such as the art of war, marshalling armies, and the profession of arms. How can anyone conclude that women should be repressed of an education and equality in society after learning all these examples of extraordinary women who have shown morality and