Joseph Stalin Crime Analysis

During the 14th century in England Feudalism took place which left many europeans poor and with very little freedoms. Avi demonstrates what life is like to be living in this time period through the voice of Crispin, a thirteen year old boy that is wanted for a crime he did not commit. The life of Crispin demonstrates how political, social and economic aspects were when the nobles provided protection for the lands that was not owned but used by the citizens.

During this time many people lost their lives in an uncountable number of ways. When others had no one to turn to they went to the church. Religion was a way to reach out to someone and gave many the hope they had needed during the rough times of their lives. “From somewhere unseen a

chorus of swelling chant rolled forth, filling this celestial space with sounds that made me think of the measured beating of angels’ wings. It was as if I had entered paradise itself” (page 167) . This specific quote shows that to have a church in the times of feudalism is special and that prayer gives you a way to communicate with their loved ones.

As people prayed, they prayed for not only their family and themselves but for their community too. It was very important to have good relationships among the people in your community. As for Crispin he was fortunate to have a very close relationship with the priest in his community.
Father quinel new most about this boy after his mother passed, he even knew things about Crispin that Crispin didn't know himself. Even as citizens in Crispin's community chased him down Father quinel was true to Crispin. To have a bond one knows won’t be broken was very special in that period of time. “But there was only one person whom i could trust: Father Quinel. Had not my mother trusted him? Had not he, alone in the village, treated me with some kindness?” (pg 22). Its seems as if the ones closest to you and the rest of your family were the only ones you could trust to tell something.

During this time one of the good things was the economy. Many people were peasants but, were not homeless. Food and water were not scarce resources and everyone seemed to find something to drink and eat to live. There had been a good amount of production within the community. During the feasts there were many vendors. Such as bakers, butchers, farmers etc. Others also made money in their shops around town like a shoe maker or a carpenter.

Many citizens tried to do as much for their community as they could. To improve one's economy in their town they had to provide as much food, water, shelter and other necessities for as many people possible that live there.Each community usually consisted of one or two of the same vendors. Therefore, it would provide enough of what one needed until the next time they go to buy from the vendors.

As the citizens put in effort to make a living.

Some couldn't afford it. Most should know the Ruler would have the most power which usually makes the conclusion that s/he has the most currency. Which puts the Ruler on the top of the social structure. After comes the standard rich people who have a good and pretty important career. Under them comes the peasants then the homeless.

As it may seem to the upper class citizens the peasants and homeless commit more crimes. Therefore if one of the homeless or peasants is accused of a crime some will believe the one that accused suspect depending on who the person is. ““Most people in the village don't believe the accusation, either. But why does Aycliffe put your name to the crime?”” (pg 29). WIth every village there was a code of ethics that one knew. Avi never tells you but as one learns when they are young is that you can't believe everyone and that doing wrong is a bad act.

The life of Crispin demonstrates how political, social and economic aspects were when the nobles provided protection for the lands that was not owned but used by the citizens. Crispin lived a hard life being chased down for something that he could not have stopped from happening. Avi showed the culture and the little freedoms in the 14th century

England.