Thesiss

This thesis examines the poetics and politics of ‘olde bokes’ (Legend of Good Women, G, 25) in selected works by Chaucer and Gower, paying particular attention to the way in which both writers appropriate their sources and the theories of history and political ideas informing th…

In the 14th and 15th centuries, English went from a vernacular language to one used in literary and religious contexts. As a vernacular, English was the language of the lower and middle classes, and Latin was the language of religion and academia. The Lollards were early Christi…

The dissertation considers some literary problems and opportunities posed by hagiography's few prodigal daughters, primarily Mary Magdalene. Late medieval vitae of these saints, like some works authored by women, render sacred eroticism in surprisingly concrete ways, not because…