Gluckel essays

Gluckel essays The person as a whole, mind and body, is a complex and unique organism which can be easily influenced by society. Since people are so easily susceptible to be influenced by others, each person must rely on their own beliefs in order to make judgments for daily life that are morally and ethically pleasing. Gluckel of Hamelns religious and spiritual beliefs shaped her mind, body, and spirit. Gluckel lived in a time incomprehensible to today; an age where personal emotions were discounted. However, Gluckels devotions to God enabled her to live life fulfilled despite terrible tragedy. Marriage was precious to Gluckel and was more than just an economic union that is often connected with marriages of her time. Gluckels husband was an interpersonal companion for her and his loss was crushing to Gluckels soul. But who is now my comforter? To whom shall I pour out my soul? Whither shall I turn? All his life my beloved companion hearkened to my troubles, and they were many, and comfort ed me so that somehow they would quickly vanish. (150) Gluckels husband deeply esteemed his wife as well. Even at deaths door he thought of nothing but to spare me pain. (150) There was clearly love in this marriage even if love had yet to be defined for society. As much as Gluckel had a marriage of love, she recognized love by itself will not bring happiness. She understood relationships have their problems and if those we love do not always meet our expectations, it doesn't mean that we have lost our chance for happiness. We, my children, have no friend on whom we may depend, save God, who will ever stand by you and aid you. (157) So many people look to their love relationships, especially marriage to give them the happiness that they cannot find on their own. The belief that love guarantees happiness is left over from the ideology of romantic love that tells us we will live ha...