Introduction

What makes a piece of literature truly timeless? Some may argue that it is a fixed lesson and consistency of reasoning which defines timeless art. Some may insist that a piece’s transparency and obviousness in language and reasoning allows future generations to still grasp its value. However, I would argue that a genuinely timeless writing is one that does not stay the same, per se, but that is able to both hold original structure while also acclimating to new societal norms. Timeless work, to me, means stepping beyond an author’s comfort zone to write an inspirationally transformational piece of literature that is both perfect for the times and adaptive to the ages. As literature gained status throughout the Medieval, Renaissance, and Reformational periods, authors began to rally confidence in their individuality and in using their voices to make a difference. We see an intensification of freedom of expression, notably in combatting societal norms of the times such as religion and gender norms. Throughout this anthology, you will find excerpts that survived centuries of changing standards, yet still continue to exemplify the significance of religion, feminism, and individuality today.

Digging deeper into the three criterions put forth, I noticed some specific subcategories of religion, feminism, and individuality that held true throughout these works. By doing so, I simply cannot divide this anthology into three distinct groupings of subcategories. I have discovered each transformational thread weaves itself within the others to form one big anthological sweater. And I believe a sweater is a perfect metaphor for this collection of relatable, comforting excerpts. Throughout these pieces, you will clearly see broadminded authors consistently crush toxic masculine stereotypes, champion female ambitions, promote healthy and modern relationships, normalize conditional and individually-based love, demonstrate vigorous prioritization of God within the constant balance struggle we all face, and emphasize the power of our state of mind. Before each selection, you will notice me referencing back to these many specific literary choices which make the piece so relevant to my own values and to society as a whole today.

However, the themes consistent throughout my selections are not only present through modern translation. In fact, patterns of these messages can be seen throughout each of the three periods we discussed in this class; and the focuses of each period tell us a lot about the societal climates in those decades. Beginning with what we define as the Medieval period, I found my target was that of feminine tales of conditional love, of combatted toxic masculinity, and of open-ended meanings. I think the reason these feminine tales caught my attention so exclusively here was due to the realness of oppression in these times. There was little influence of the individual in this time, especially for women. Therefore, every example in which a female name occupied the author’s position or the heroine of the story, I was all for it. Additionally, as we share very little with this era in the way of language or culture, all standing relation to our own lives is completely relative. For this reason, the excerpts we might choose to pull from the Medieval period might vary significantly on the basis of individual perspectives. I love this about literature.

The Renaissance era experiences an increase in limit pushing and in self-expression. This was, by far, my favorite era to read, which is why you will find more selections from this period than the others. Additionally, the Renaissance was filled with religious tensions, so I found pieces with religious undertones to be particularly impactful. In particular, my selections tend to hone in on that achievement of balance: finding a love on earth through conditional relationships with the knowledge that a true love will be unconditionally bonded; pursuing ambitions to the fullest while keeping in mind that earthly wealth and power to not amount to salvation; and living a holy life in God’s name throughout. I know everyone struggles to find this balance, and the citizens of the Renaissance era were no exception. In a period of time so concerned with making advancements and moving ahead, this focus on balance was also accompanied by a heavy concern with comparing oneself to those around us. This is also a prevalent theme throughout.

Lastly, in the Restoration period and 18^th century passages, though we were not given as large quantity of options within this period as we were for the previous two, the pieces we did read made up for it in quality and a length of their own. In this era, novels and longer writings grew (literally and figuratively) in popularity. Recovering from the intense individuality of the Renaissance, this era tended to focus more on that return to God, love of God, and prioritization in our lives. We are shown the importance of standing for what is right, even if this means standing alone.

In conclusion, I chose excerpts for this anthology via a focus on my own values as a Christian woman and as a strong advocate for personal perspectives and validation. Each of these pieces meant something to me, and I am so excited to share these revelations with you all as well. As you further explore this anthology—Perfect for the Times, Adaptive to the Ages—my hopes are that you feel empowered in your own worth and that you never lose sight of what’s most important to you.