Christine de Pizan (1364 – c. 1430) was an Italian French late medieval author. Writing both poetry, biographies, and books containing practical advice for women of that era. Her writing stemmed from her need to earn a living for herself and her three children. Fortunately, by the year 1405, Christine had completed her most famous literary works, The Book of the City of Ladies and The Treasure of the City of Ladies. The first book stressed the importance of women’s past contributions to society, while the second strives to teach women of all classes how to develop useful qualities. The Treasure of the City of Ladies offers glimpses into the life of women in the 1400s. In the novel, De Pizan offers advice to the wives of kings, the wives of servants and even …show more content…
It is all women's right, she argues, to obtain schooling sufficient to allow them to use their natural talents to benefit themselves and society, and especially to become educated, sophisticated citizens. In fact, she stated that “If it were customary to send little girls to school and teach them the same subjects as are taught to boys, they would learn just as fully and would understand the subtleties of all arts and sciences.” Just interpreting this shows that she was trying to assert the fact that women were equal to men and be just as intelligent if given the privilege. De Pizan also said that simple education would give women the resourcefulness to obtain and criticize information as well as corrupt political figures, and enables them to become well informed and make intelligent decisions based upon their understanding and awareness of everyday situations. With this encouragement De Pizan went against the norm and challenged women to challenge the patriarchal society in which they lived in order to obtain equal rights. This is a major boon that could only allow for great strides in