This thesis sheds light on Ancrene Wisse and its ties to the medieval bestiary tradition. The thesis focusses on the historical context and textual tradition of the bestiary and compares the...Show moreThis thesis sheds light on Ancrene Wisse and its ties to the medieval bestiary tradition. The thesis focusses on the historical context and textual tradition of the bestiary and compares the findings to Part Four of Ancrene Wisse, which includes the section on the beasts of sin. By comparing the portayal of animals in both Ancrene Wisse and various bestiaries, this thesis explores the extent to which the popular genre of bestiaries might have influenced the form and function of the beasts of sin found in Ancrene Wisse.Show less
Christine de Pizan was one of the very first female authors in medieval Europe. She produced texts in which women are defended against misogyny. In her treatises Christine makes use of existing...Show moreChristine de Pizan was one of the very first female authors in medieval Europe. She produced texts in which women are defended against misogyny. In her treatises Christine makes use of existing misogynistic texts and uses them in her advantage in order to paint a positive picture of women. In addition she reprimands authors who besmirch the reputation of females. This thesis focuses on the manner in which she defends women against misogyny (which was common in medieval Europe) while she uses contemporary sources containing the very misogynistic ideas she argues against.Show less
Corruption is inherently present in Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth. The representation of corruption, both in Follett’s work and in the Medieval English church, however, has not yet been...Show moreCorruption is inherently present in Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth. The representation of corruption, both in Follett’s work and in the Medieval English church, however, has not yet been studied to its fullest extent. This thesis aims to explore whether Follett has successfully depicted the Medieval church of the twelfth century by further delving in to the several depictions of corruption that are featured in the novel, and to examine whether these can also be attributed to the Medieval church Follett is aiming to describe. Financial corruption is attested in the world of Follett by the uncertainty as to where the money to build the Kingsbridge comes from. In contrast, it is seen in the Catholic church in the appearance of indulgences. The question whether indulgences can be linked to corruption will be answered by looking at the way Follett has decided to include any form of these contracts. Indulgences were, in fact, an inventive means to have a cathedral built. The erection of the New Saint Peter’s Basilica was supported by financial support of indulgences. Historians, predominantly Protestant, in the nineteenth century have castigated the practice of indulgences. 3 This thesis also aims to present an impression as to in what extent our ideas of corruption in Medieval England has been shaped by these ideas. By including corruption of power and the corruption of faith and looking at it in both Follett’s work and the Medieval English church, this thesis will present a satisfactory answer to the question whether the picture Follett presents is a valid example of a Medieval view of the church.Show less
An edition of a devotional treatise on the seven deadly sins from Princeton University, Garrett MS 143, fols. 21v-26v. This treatise is yet unpublished.
