Black Plague in 1347 A.D., Term Paper

As a result of the death in the church, written language suffered greatly. Carvings, previously mostly of religious scenes or icons, began to reflect the death of the time. Coffin lids were carved with representations of the deceased within. Sculptures reflected the rotting disease, and the consumption of the dead by insects. Paintings reflected the death through depictions of people socializing with skeletons. Previous to the plague, art was upbeat and religious, but following the massive death, most artists lost interest in religious icons, and began to explore the macabre and darker subjects. Music, previously happy and joyous, took on darker undertones with the use of minor chords and haunting instruments (Courie, 134).

There can be no question that the Black Death, or the plague, was a devastating disease that halted progress and took the lives of millions of individuals in the mid-1300's. However, the plague had a far more lasting change than simply on the populations of Europe. Feudalism was toppled, social status and class altered drastically, and the entire basis for wealth was changed. Religion became a symbol for deceit, and lost considerable respect. Beliefs on childbearing would change for hundreds of years, resulting in a smaller population and fewer taxes, further altering the economic situation. Art, still examined today, became a symbol for the dead and dying, and the images forever moved from religion to a variety of topics, including death, decay, and misery. In short, one tiny infected insect, the oriental rat flea, helped to change the course of history and development for an entire continent.

References

Cartwright, Frederick F. Disease and History. New York: Dorset Press, 1991.

Courie, Leonard W. The Black Death and Peasant's Revolt. New York: Wayland Publishers, 1972.

Getz, Faye M. "Black Death and the Silver Lining." Journal of…