🧌Medieval Literature Unit 11 – Medieval Women Writers: Pizan and Kempe

Historical Context

• Medieval period in Europe spanned from the 5th to the 15th century
• Characterized by the feudal system, where society was divided into distinct social classes (nobility, clergy, and peasantry)
• The Catholic Church held significant power and influence over political, social, and cultural aspects of life
• Women's roles were primarily defined by their relationships to men (wives, mothers, daughters) and their social class
• Education was limited, especially for women, with most being illiterate
• The Black Death (bubonic plague) devastated Europe in the 14th century, leading to significant social and economic changes
• The Hundred Years' War between England and France (1337-1453) had a profound impact on the political and cultural landscape of Europe

Key Figures: Christine de Pizan and Margery Kempe

• Christine de Pizan (1364-1430) was an Italian-French author, poet, and philosopher
  • Considered one of the first professional female writers in Europe
  • Challenged misogynistic attitudes and advocated for women's education and rights
  • Served in the court of King Charles V of France and later became a prolific writer
• Margery Kempe (c. 1373-1438) was an English Christian mystic and autobiographer
  • Dictated her life story, known as "The Book of Margery Kempe," which is considered the first autobiography in the English language
  • Experienced spiritual visions and undertook pilgrimages to holy sites
  • Challenged societal norms as a married woman who pursued a spiritual life

Major Works and Themes

• Christine de Pizan's notable works include:
  • "The Book of the City of Ladies" (1405) - an allegorical work defending women against misogynistic attacks
  • "The Treasure of the City of Ladies" (1405) - a conduct book offering advice to women of various social classes
  • "The Book of the Three Virtues" (1406) - a sequel to "The Treasure of the City of Ladies," focusing on women's roles and virtues
• Margery Kempe's major work is "The Book of Margery Kempe" (1436-1438), which recounts her spiritual experiences, pilgrimages, and struggles as a woman in medieval society
• Common themes in their works include:
  • The defense of women's capabilities and virtues
  • The importance of education and spiritual growth for women
  • Challenging societal norms and expectations for women's roles
  • The exploration of religious devotion and mystical experiences (particularly in Kempe's work)

Literary Techniques and Styles

• Christine de Pizan's works often employ:
  • Allegory and symbolism to convey complex ideas and arguments
  • Exempla (short stories or anecdotes) to illustrate moral points
  • Rhetorical devices, such as persuasive arguments and appeals to authority
  • Intertextuality, drawing upon classical and biblical sources to support her arguments
• Margery Kempe's "The Book of Margery Kempe" is characterized by:
  • A autobiographical narrative style, recounting her life experiences and spiritual journey
  • Vivid descriptions of her mystical visions and encounters with religious figures
  • Use of dialogue and direct speech to convey her interactions with others
  • Repetition and emotive language to emphasize her spiritual experiences and struggles

Gender and Society in Medieval Literature

• Medieval literature often reflected and reinforced patriarchal norms and gender roles
  • Women were frequently portrayed as either virtuous and obedient or as temptresses and sinners
  • Male authors dominated the literary landscape, often perpetuating misogynistic attitudes
• Christine de Pizan and Margery Kempe challenged these norms by:
  • Asserting women's intellectual capabilities and moral strengths
  • Advocating for women's education and spiritual growth
  • Presenting themselves as authoritative voices in a male-dominated society
• Their works provide valuable insights into the experiences and struggles of women in medieval society
  • Navigating societal expectations and limitations placed on women
  • Balancing personal aspirations with prescribed gender roles
  • Asserting agency and autonomy in a patriarchal system

Reception and Influence

• Christine de Pizan's works were widely read and influential during her lifetime and beyond
  • Her defense of women and advocacy for their education resonated with female readers
  • Her ideas challenged prevailing misogynistic attitudes and contributed to the development of proto-feminist thought
  • Her works were translated into various languages and inspired later writers, such as Laura Cereta and Moderata Fonte
• Margery Kempe's "The Book of Margery Kempe" had a more limited circulation during her lifetime
  • The manuscript was rediscovered in the 20th century and has since garnered significant scholarly attention
  • Kempe's work provides a rare glimpse into the spiritual experiences and struggles of a lay medieval woman
  • Her autobiography has been recognized as a pioneering work in the genre of life-writing and women's self-representation

Comparative Analysis

• Christine de Pizan and Margery Kempe both challenged societal norms and expectations for women in the medieval period, albeit in different ways:
  • Pizan focused on asserting women's intellectual capabilities and advocating for their education and rights
  • Kempe's work centered on her spiritual experiences and the pursuit of a religious life as a married woman
• Both women faced challenges and criticism for their unconventional roles and ideas
  • Pizan had to navigate the male-dominated literary world and defend her authority as a female writer
  • Kempe faced skepticism and opposition from religious authorities and society for her mystical experiences and public expressions of piety
• Their works contribute to a broader understanding of women's experiences and agency in medieval society
  • Highlighting the diversity of women's roles and aspirations
  • Challenging the notion of a monolithic medieval experience for women
  • Demonstrating the ways in which women negotiated and resisted patriarchal constraints

Modern Interpretations and Relevance

• The works of Christine de Pizan and Margery Kempe have gained renewed interest and relevance in modern scholarship
  • Pizan's proto-feminist ideas resonate with contemporary discussions of gender equality and women's rights
  • Kempe's autobiography provides insights into the complexities of women's spiritual experiences and self-representation
• Their works contribute to a more nuanced understanding of medieval women's lives and experiences
  • Challenging stereotypes and assumptions about women's roles and capabilities in the medieval period
  • Highlighting the diversity of women's voices and perspectives
• The study of Pizan and Kempe's works encourages a critical examination of gender, power, and agency in both historical and contemporary contexts
  • Analyzing the ways in which women have navigated and challenged patriarchal systems across time
  • Exploring the continuities and changes in women's struggles for equality and self-determination
• Their legacies inspire ongoing research and discussions in fields such as literature, history, gender studies, and religious studies