Date of Graduation
5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in English (MA)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
English
Advisor/Mentor
Smith, Joshua B.
Committee Member
Muntz, Charles
Second Committee Member
Antov, Nikolay
Keywords
rhetoric; First Crusade; medieval society
Abstract
This study analyzes the rhetorical use of the lower classes in three primary accounts of the First Crusade: Albert of Aachen, the Gesta Francorum, and Raymond of Aguilers — specifically with an eye towards the proper maintenance of the order of society through everyone performing their assigned role. Through a close reading of these three texts this study demonstrates how the three authors engage with and uphold versions of the idealized three orders model of medieval society. Though there is nuance between each source, broadly, each of the authors presents the lower classes as a force that needs to be guided by the clergy and controlled by the nobility. When the three orders model is upheld, society functions smoothly to the benefit of all, including the lower classes themselves.
Citation
Hannon, J. (2025). The Rhetorical Use of the Lower Classes in Three Primary Accounts of the First Crusade. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/5726
