The Rhetoric Volume 1 | Page 8

Some of the major lessons Editing, Writing, and Media students need to take away from Christine is her influence on the use of language for women. Christine taught woman ways in which they should and should not use language.

Her biggest point in her book, " The Treasure of the City of Ladies," was to recognize slander as a sin. She taught women there is no excuse for slander.

According to Christine, there are 3 causes which slander arises:

1. Hatred

2. Opinion

3.Envy

"All three should be avioded" because slander is not "priseworthy;" rather it is a sin that makes the person slandering look unintelligent.

Christine also writes "Woman of the court ought to be very careful not to speak evil of their mistress." Slandering causes the wrong impression of someone due to the opinions of others.

christine de pizan's

teachings