The theme of this reading is loyalty. Fealty specifically means "a feudal tenant's or vassal's sworn loyalty to a lord," while homage literally means "formal public acknowledgment of feudal allegiance."
This document is between viscount Bernard Atton and lord abbot Leo. Bernard Atton gives his homage and fealty to Leo and promises to take care of Leo's property. This is a great example of feudalism in the Middle Ages. Feudalism, at its core, is when two parties exchange loyalty for protection. The richer offers to protect the poorer, and the poorer (in return) will take care of the wealthier individual's property.
I think the most interesting thing in this document, to me, is that Bernard states that he will cover the costs of everything to see that Leo has the most comfortable journey and a delicious meal. In addition to this, Bernard also says that he will pay to feed and shoe Leo's horse. I would have thought that Leo would take care of his own stuff.
Modern-day feudalism comes in a few different forms. One blog I read said that she viewed capitalism as a sort of feudalism. She says that celebrities, executives, and athletes have the most money and power in our society and basically control how people think. And we let them have that control because when they do something, we talk about it and reinforce their actions. I can agree with her somewhat, but I don't feel comfortable agreeing with her wholeheartedly.
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