When I see the lark stretch out

World Literature

Response 3 Vol. B: Medieval Lyrics

When I see the lark stretch out

"I didn't know anything at all" seems to be the main theme of this story written about a man in love. Bernart appears to be an optimist about life and love and his view of the world. He rudely becomes aware of how badly woman can destroy a person and their entire life around them. It appears that his heart was always willing to provide those things that any woman would want. But unfortunately his desires can never be satisfied because he is come to realize that a woman can destroy him, even though he looks directly into her heart through her eyes. The eyes are the doorway to the soul of a woman's heart and in this writing he characterizes her of having the mirror. Bernart is pleased to know that by looking in her eyes he can see himself. Something that really does excite him and leads them to believe that a woman could be a good thing. But in the end it appears that all women are destined to break his heart. He believes from the very bottom of his soul that true love can be found in a woman's arms.

Unfortunately Bernard re-emphasizes that no woman can be trusted and that they have to “put him to death”. They can no longer have him. Tristan will convince Bernart to surrender joy and love forever.  This is a sad result for a man who is so afraid to love unconditionally. If he never gives Love he will never receive it.

Summary

When one is in love all is right with the world.  Everything seems to flow without interruption and can seem so perfect.  The taste is sweet and cannot be replicated.  Those smiles and kisses and hugs are so important.  They feel so fresh and unspoiled the next time they are received, again and again.  One can never tire of this feeling.  This feeling of being loved.  For the heart will become light and full.  This happiness even haunts us in our sleep.  Love gives us peace.  For Bernart love gives him death.

In Praise of War

World Literature

Response 4 Vol. B: Medieval Lyrics

In Praise War

The author’s inspiration came from the king of England, Henry the second and his sons. Bertran initially allied with the sons who were Henry the young king and Richard the lionhearted. Henry the Young King, one son of the king's son had a rebellious attitude towards his father. This explains the feelings that are expressed through different parts of the poem. In the beginning there is a joy that the author expresses for the fear that people feel when they see armored men approaching them. These men are there for a purpose of taking over the castle and hurting those occupying the castle. The author reflects the life of warfare in his poem and explains the accomplishment that he felt in instilling fear in others while in battle. Throughout the poem, he refers to the feelings that he felt throughout different scenarios that may be seen in war. Also, different maneuvers that occurred and may be possible.

In the poem, he refers on feelings of wanting to fight in the battle and how his men were fully dressed for battle. Henry the young king and the rebellion we're ready to take over his father’s castle. He was pleased of how men looked fearless for battle.

Summary

Bertran is impressed to know that the leader of a battle should be the first to attack. For the leader is a very important visual symbol to his men just before they go to battle. He can inspire his soldiers to fight to the till the end with a smile on their face. "For no man is worth a thing till he has given and gotten blow on blow." He is aware that most of his men will probably not return.  Bertran also enjoys the fear that is generated by his army people fall into ditches and of into the grass. He sees lances through bodies with the silk streamers waving in the wind. Bertran also tells kings and queens to pawn their castles in order to fund the ritual of war. There has been peace for too long.