Resumo

ROSSI, Annunziata. Crisis of the Medieval Hierarchical Model. Acta poét [online]. 2011, vol.32, n.2, pp.211-232. ISSN 2448-735X.

This paper describes the European situation during the late Middle Ages, with a special emphasis on the Romance-speaking countries. The official tripartite, pyramidal and hierarchical political model, pertaining to the medieval symbolic conception, excludes the rising bourgeoisie, composed of merchants and artisans. Nevertheless, these new urban elements are relflected in the various types of transgression, such as the dialogue between Salomon and Marcolf, or the popular medieval comic culture. On the other hand, Francis of Assisi and Umberto de Romans face the need to modify the then hierarchic model so as to shape the new reality. During the 14th Century, the economic crisis and the decline of the Catholic Church with regard to the incipient nations, launched new characters onto the social scene. This process was portrayed in the work of the Franciscans Marsilius of Padua and William of Ockham, who reflected the theoretical separation between faith and reason, state and church. During the Quattrocento (15th Century), the Florentine humanism finally asserts the new individual and civil rights.

Palavras-chave : Middle Age; medieval hierarchic model; Florentine humanism.