997, par. 4). Landlords had to offer tenants forms of capital such as oxen and seed. Also in terms of labor, Knox wrote that the labor shortage was very severe, especially in the short term, and consequently, wages rose (1995). Because of the mortality, there was an oversupply of goods, and so prices dropped. Between the two trends, the standard of living rose . . . for those still living (Knox, 1995, par. 3).Effects in the countryside were just as severe. Farms and entire villages died out or were abandoned as the few survivors decided not to stay on (Knox, 1995). Whole families died, with no heirs, their houses standing empty. The countryside, too, faced a short-term shortage of labor, and landlords stopped freeing their serfs (Knox, 1995). They tried to get more forced labor from them, according to Knox, as there were fewer peasants to be had (1995). Also, peasants in many areas began to demand fairer treatment or lighter burdens (Knox, 1995).As a consequence of the beginning of blurring financial distinctions, social distinctions sharpened. According to Courie, the fashions of the nobility became more extravagant in order to emphasize the social standing of the person wearing the clothing (1972). The peasants became slightly more empowered, and revolted when the aristocracy attempted to resist the changes brought about by the plague (Courie, 1972). In 1358, the peasantry of northern France rioted, and in 1378 disenfranchised guild members revolted. The social and economic structure of Europe was drastically and irretrievably changed (Courie, 1972).In terms of art, artists, who used to lean towards beauty and idealism now reflect the tone of despair that they are feeling in their works. In paintings, a new style emerged, the morbid and ghastly danse macabre (the Dance of Death) (Knox, 1995). . The motif shows skeletons mingling with living men in daily scenes. There are peasants at a harvest festival, or workmen at a construct...
