Images of the Medieval Peasant

Introduction: marginality and centrality of peasants Part I. Peasant Labor and a Hierarchical Society: 1. Peasant labor and the limits of mutuality 2. The breakdown of mutuality: laments over the mistreatment of peasants Part II. The Origins of Inequality: 3. Equality and freedom at creation 4. The curse of Noah 5. National myths and the origins of serfdom Part III. Unfavorable Images of Peasants: 6. Representations of contempt and subjugation 7. Peasant bodies, male and female Part IV. Peasant Agency, Peasant Humanity: 8. Peasant warriors and peasant liberties 9. Pious and exemplary peasants Part V. The Revolt Against Servitude: 10. The problem of servitude: arbitrary mistreatment, symbolic degradation 11. Peasant rebellions of the late middle ages Conclusion: harmony and dissonance.