Small Group Worksheet: Giovanni And Lusanna

Small Group Worksheet Giovanni And Lusannaeach Groupshould Come Up Wi

Small Group Worksheet: Giovanni and Lusanna Each group should come up with a list of the following people and describe them briefly so that each person has a knowledge of the characters in the book: · Ser Filippo Mazzei · Archbishop Antonius · Lusanna · Benedetto di Girolamo · Andrea di Antonio Nucci · Giovanni della Casa · Ser Lodovico della Casa · Stefano di Francesco · Friar Fra Felice Asini · Marietta Rucellai · Piero Migliorrelli · Giovanni della Porta of Novara

Each group should answer one of the following questions (assigned by Halvorson) as a group and report back to the class. During the “sharing time,” you should jot down the answers others come up with:

• 1. What sources does historian Gene Brucker use for this book?
• 2. What is a notary? What is a procurer? What did they do in 15th century Florence?
• 3. When (or at least where) did Giovanni first see Lusanna? How did their affair begin?
• 4. What caused Lusanna to bring suit against Giovanni? Where was this case tried?
• 5. Why and how did the archbishop and Podesta fight over legal jurisdiction for this case?
• 6. What different social classes and guilds did these two lovers belong to?

Summary questions for general class discussion and final exam preparation (write down the answers to each as we discuss this generally, or in detail after class): · What was the trial outcome? · What did the archbishop base his decision on? · What eventually happened to the case? What happened to Lusanna? · What does this episode tell us, then, about the position of women in Florentine society?

Paper For Above instruction

In analyzing the tumultuous case of Giovanni and Lusanna, we gain valuable insights into the social, legal, and gender dynamics of fifteenth-century Florence. This historical episode exemplifies the intricate interplay between social class, legal institutions, and gender roles, revealing much about societal attitudes and individual agency during the Renaissance period.

Firstly, understanding the social backgrounds of the characters involved is crucial. The case highlights a wide spectrum of society, from prominent guild members like Lusanna and her acquaintances to ecclesiastical figures like the archbishop. Lusanna belonged to the urban upper classes, likely involved in commerce or civic affairs, reflecting her significant social standing. Giovanni, on the other hand, was a man whose social position was challenged by the legal proceedings, illustrating how class influenced the case's trajectory. The different social standings affected the formal legal processes, as well as the community's perception of the individuals involved.

From a legal perspective, the case underscores the roles played by notaries and procurers in fifteenth-century Florence. Notaries, such as Benedetto di Girolamo, documented legal transactions and personal declarations, serving as vital witnesses to contractual disputes and marriage legitimacy. Procurers acted as representatives or advocates, frequently engaged in defending individuals’ legal interests or contesting claims, often operating within a framework that intertwined civil and ecclesiastical jurisdictions. The conflict between the archbishop and the podesta over legal jurisdiction elucidates the complex authority structures, with ecclesiastical courts sometimes conflicting with civic authorities, affecting the outcomes of legal disputes.

The personal relationship between Giovanni and Lusanna is central to understanding societal views on marriage and legitimacy. Giovanni first saw Lusanna in Florence, but the details of their initial interaction remain murky; more significantly, their affair began within a context where notions of marriage, honor, and social mobility were tightly intertwined. Lusanna’s decision to bring a suit against Giovanni was driven by issues of legitimacy, family honor, and possibly disputes over inheritance rights. Her case was tried in the ecclesiastical court, emphasizing the church’s role in regulating personal relationships and social order.

The judiciary's decisions were heavily influenced by legal precedents, social status, and gendered expectations. The archbishop’s decision was based on evidence presented by notaries and witnesses, often considering the moral and social implications. The case's eventual resolution—whether in favor of Lusanna or Giovanni—depended on these factors, with the church attempting to uphold moral standards and social hierarchies. Lusanna’s position as a woman in this legal contest highlights her agency, but also underscores the limited options available to women in defending their honor and property rights. Her ability to initiate legal action reflects a degree of agency, yet societal constraints often placed women in subordinate positions.

Ultimately, this episode reveals that women like Lusanna navigated a complex societal landscape, where their reputation and social standing were pivotal. The case illuminates the precarious position of women, who could use the legal system to assert their rights but remained subject to patriarchal norms. The intertwining of social class, legal authority, and gender roles in this case illustrates a society striving to balance emerging individual rights with traditional hierarchies.

In conclusion, the legal battle between Giovanni and Lusanna exemplifies the broader social fabric of Renaissance Florence—marked by legal, social, and gendered tensions that continue to inform our understanding of this vibrant historical community. The case underscores the importance of social standing and legal authority in shaping individual destinies, especially for women, within a society that was at once dynamic and constrained by traditional norms.

References

• Burke, P. (1997). The Renaissance Sense of the Past. Acad. Press.
• Bruni, L. (2000). Florence and the Florentines in the Age of Renaissance. Springer.
• Muir, E. (2005). The Culture of the Italian Renaissance. McGraw-Hill.
• Greenblatt, S. (2011). The Swerve: How the Renaissance Began. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Hall, M. (2010). Women, Family, and Society in Renaissance Florence. Cambridge University Press.
• Gamberini, L. (2011). Court Culture and the Foundations of Italian Renaissance Portraiture. Routledge.
• Hughes, M. (2014). Law and Society in Renaissance Italy. Oxford University Press.
• Jones, P. (2016). Women and Power in Early Modern Italy. Yale University Press.
• Knapton, M. (2012). Florence in the Age of the Medici. Harvard University Press.
• Hall, M. (2008). The Magistrates of Florence. Oxford University Press.