It is actually quit interesting that the response of the invaders to the shepherds pleas is to "teach them to eat cake," as this is something Marie Antoinette supposedly (and controversially) uttered to the pleas of the hungry peasants amidst the French Revolution. Although her reproach was something on the lines of "let them eat cake", both responses share the same indifference and tone deathness to their counterpart (as well as cakes). Overall, most scholars have debated whether or not Marie actually said the phrase, and if she did, many agree that she lifted it from tales from of her childhood; and considering this is a French book written well before her time, who's to say the idea itself was not influenced by this passage.

ttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/marie-antoinette-134629573/

The phrase "Vanum est vobis ante lucem surgere" is in Latin and it roughly translates to "It is futile for you to rise before dawn" in English. The phrase is often attributed to the ancient Roman poet Horace and is often interpreted as a cautionary reminder not to overwork oneself or push too hard to achieve something that may not be worth the effort. Ironically, Rabelais quotes this phrase when Gargantua is just about to go into an intense academic regimen. Perhaps, mocking or satirizing the education system of that time.

[https://www.studylight.org/bible/lat/nvl/psalms/127-2.html]

This passage describes Dante's encounter with Lucifer, the fallen angel and ruler of Hell. Dante describes his expectation of seeing Lucifer's upper body but instead, he sees only his upturned legs and feet. This inversion of Lucifer's image is symbolic of the reversal of fortune that has taken place in Hell, where everything is turned upside down and nothing is as it seems. Overall, the passage reflects that Hell is not only a physical journey but also a spiritual one, and the obstacles and challenges Dante encounters are representative of the sins and temptations that afflict human beings in their quest for meaning and purpose in life.

https://www.thoughtco.com/dantes-9-circles-of-hell-741539

This passage from "The Green Knight" is an interesting one, as it highlights the theme of gender roles that are present throughout the poem. Lady Bertilak is clearly in a position of vulnerability as she is alone and seeking Gawain's instruction, while Gawain is in a position of power as a knight and a man. The lady's words suggest that she wants to learn from Gawain, but also that she expects him to be a teacher and a mentor to her. Nevertheless, the passage raises interesting questions about the role of women in medieval society and how they were expected to behave in relation to men.

https://www.litcharts.com/lit/sir-gawain-and-the-green-knight/themes

Aeschylus was a Greek playwright known mostly for tragedy. It is interesting that Lysistrata mentions him as according to Britannica, "Aeschylean tragedy deals with the plights, decisions, and fates of individuals with whom the destiny of the community or state is closely bound up; in turn, both individual and community stand in close relation to the gods.' By mentioning Aeschylus, it is as if Lysistrata is foreshadowing how this Oath will impact her community.

Podlecki, Anthony J., and Oliver Taplin. “Aeschylus.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 6 Dec. 2022, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aeschylus-Greek-dramatist.

The Vedas, or "Knowledge" in Sanskrit, are ancient texts of Hinduism. The four scriptures that make up the Vedas are Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva Veda: with each scripture revolving around "the fundamental knowledge relating to the underlying cause of, function of, and personal response to existence." The texts existed primarily in oral form for generations until transcribed on paper during The Vedic Period in India (c. 1500 - c. 500 BCE). Overall, Krishna advises Arjuna that even a text as holy as the Veda can be used as justification by those ill-wittingly pleased by senses.

Mark, Joshua J. “The Vedas.” World History Encyclopedia, Https://Www.worldhistory.org#Organization, 1 Feb. 2023, https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Vedas/.