Description
Compare and contrast the worldview, religious beliefs and reform programs of Hans Behm,
Desiderius Erasmus, Martin Luther, and Karsthans, a fictitious German peasant featured in German
Reformation pamphlets. Think of Karsthans as the representative of the German peasants during the peasant war. Place these characters, the historical figures as well as fictitious Karthans, in their historical context? What was important to them? How did their different social status and life experiences shape their world views and priorities? They each became, in their own way, outspoken social critics. Compare the aims and spirit of their criticisms. How did they try to realize their goals?
How would have, or did, each of these men has viewed the religious program and actions of the other two? What does such a comparison reveal about the differences between elite and popular culture? Your paper should be based on careful readings of Wunderlich
Peasant Fires and the assigned selections of Erasmus, Luther, and the Twelve Articles. Place these texts in their historical context by drawing on your textbook, lectures and lecture slides.
You can write your paper as a regular prose essay or, if you like, you can get creative and write a
transcript of a discussion between the three men (maybe in a tavern?). Fun, but perhaps more difficult.
Sample Solution