SC - Fw: [Mid] Term Papers

[Kathleen M Hogan]

I wasn't sure exactly who to send this info to, so If you aren't the one
who asked for it, I'm sorry.  But here goes.

On Thu, 15 Oct 1998 03:45:44 -0700 "Balldrich BallBarian BoulderBain"
<msca at c2i2.com> writes:
 >> Uh, could you send me that information as well.  I'm
>> planning to write MA Anthropology thesis on the
>> SCA especially on ideas of reconstructing history
>> and this is right up my alley.  And I know that
>> firehose is moving my direction :)

> : I am currently a student at the University of North Texas.Because
> : of my own growing interest in the subject I am writing a term
> : paper in my civilizations class regarding our society's new 
>found interest in the Middle Ages and Renaissance time periods. I 
>would  greatly appreciate it if you could respond to this email sharing
> : with me your own personal reasons for you appreciation of this
> : period of history and what it is about  it that you like.

My name is Kathleen Hogan.  In the Society I am known as both Caitlin
NicFhionghuin and Red Meg Inkeep.  I joined the SCA in 1980, after
attending a demonstration at Central Missouri State University.  I was an
English Education/ Theatre Arts major with a Vocal Music minor.  I joined
the SCA for several reasons. 

Firstly, because of my interest in the literature of the period.  To this
day, one of my favourite poems is "The Flea" by John Donne.  I also had
done a lot of Madrigal music in high school and loved it.

 Secondly, I had had a fascination for the history of the period since I
was about 10 and had read a book on the life and training of midieval
boys and girls.  It covered both noble and peasant lifestyles and started
me on a passion for midievil history that I still have.  

Lastly, and what kept me in the SCA, was the love of The Dream.  You will
probably hear varied ideas of what The Dream is, and some people these
days don't even know what I'm talking about; but The Dream, to me, is
very much a part of the Amour Courtois (courtly love) that was made
popular in the court of Eleanor of Aquitane. The romance of chivalry and
the "perfect knight and lady" concept.  This is what the SCA was created
to revive.  Honour and Chivalry were the concepts we tried to live by and
recreate at our events.  The tourney was a way that a knight or gentleman
could strive to honour his Lady by showing his prowess for her favour. 
Music and dance and courtly behavior were ways that gentles could express
their admiration for each other and for the life they led.  It was said
that we were not trying to recreate the middle ages as they were, but as
they SHOULD have been.  We were bringing back the BEST of the time.

The concept of The Dream is one that seems to be going the way of the
Amour Courtois of Eleanor's day.  Many of the newer folk in the society
don't seem to know (or care to practice) the Art of Chivalry these days. 
It is becoming acceptable practice to be more like the nobles of the
middle ages REALLY were...greedy, self-centered, and interested only in
what will gain them.  There are groups that fall apart because of the
political maneuvering and backstabbing among the members who want to be
"in power".  I know many Scadians from my day who do not go to events any
more because of this.  I am not very active any more both because of this
trend  and because of the rising costs of attending events (it's not just
me anymore...I have a large family).  I try to teach my children what the
SCA used to mean, and expect them to behave in that manner both at events
and at home.  

Our Kings and courts are becoming less and less Camelot and more and more
Plantagenet.

I hope this helps you.

Caitlin NicFhionghuin
House Oak & Thistle
Shire of Bordervale Keep, Atlantia
Augusta, GA

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