Women were considered the snare of the Devil, while at the same time the cult of the Virgin made one woman the central object of love and adoration.
In “A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century,” Barbara W. Tuchman explores the complex role of women during this tumultuous period. They were often seen as potential sources of temptation and evil, dubbed as the 'snare of the Devil,' reflecting the prevailing negative attitudes toward femininity and morality in society. This perspective suggested that women could lead men astray, reinforcing traditional gender roles and the cautionary narratives surrounding female behavior.
Contrasting this negative view is the reverence for the Virgin Mary, who was elevated to a status of love and veneration. The cult of the Virgin positioned one woman as the symbol of purity and divine love, showcasing a duality in how women were perceived. While many women faced societal suspicion and repression, the adoration of the Virgin highlights a deep-seated need for a feminine ideal, illustrating the paradox of women's roles in 14th-century culture.
