Responses To The Black Plaque Analysis

Responses to the Black Plaque Gabriele d’Mussis initially explains the causes of the plaque to be “as though arrows were raining down from heaven to strike down and crush the Tartars’ arrogance”. Gabrielle’s understanding of the causes of the plaque changes as he traces its movements from East to West. He explained how when they would throw the decease along the sea it would eventually poison the water supply. When one person becomes ill, it was only a matter of time the next person. Everyone who had come to the East was bound to become sick with this plaque and unfortunately die, just like everyone else who had been. The reader sees how his understandings of how this all came about changed as some would escape by boat to the West. He says how some people would go to Genoa and others to Venice and some other primarily Christian areas. It was almost like there was a demon inside those who had escaped. The plaque started to spread even more.
During the plague it seems as though there were many rumors flying around that the Jews are the blame! Many claimed the Jews have poisoned the springs and the wells. As numerous people passed and the rumors spread about the Jews, the Town Council of Cologne sent many letters to all the cities and towns as well as investigated on the rumors towards the Jews. The Council stated as long as the Jews remain innocent they should not be disturbed or harmed in anyway. They forbid any type of harassment of the Jews, and decided to accept them and keep them safe. This is interesting seeing the Jews were never quite treated well from what we have learned so far about the Jews in medieval Europe. The Jews lived in certain spaces and wore distinctive clothing. Some were wealthy some were not but they did not have total freedom. By the Town Council of Cologne saying they will defend them faithfully as well we protect them is very