HIST 2800 Lecture Notes - Early Modern Europe, Charivari, Marriage In The Catholic Church
Document Summary
Court records/criminal records are the most revealing insights into the family and its roles: however, only the most negative aspects are shown. In the early modern period, the time of youth for boys was a time of sowing wild oats, challenging authority, rough and tumble. There is also a biblical reference of a boy who defies his father, leaves, and eventually returns after coming to the realization that his father was right: a parable for coming back into the church. Control of wealth was in the father"s hands and was passed along to his son (biological heir) The behaviour of sons was very important: father and master(s) held the responsibility of forming a boy"s behaviour. Boys that were not wealthy became apprentices and around ages 12-14 would go and live with their masters. Marriage contracts and wills can give an insight into problems/concerns with boys.