The Journey into Selfhood: Margery Kempe and Feminine Spirituality

Abstract

Margery Kempe and her Book have challenged nearly a half century of critical interpretation. Her character, reliability, eccentricity, as well as the Book’s social and historical interest have all come under scrutiny. Margery Kempe and her spirituality are being reexamined both from within the traditional conventions of contemporary medieval spirituality as well as from the stance of feminine spirituality. The unobtrusive, quiet, good woman role of wife and mother is repressive and unacceptable to Kempe. Childbearing, midwifery, white garments: the images attest to the preoccupation the issues have for Kempe. The strongest argument for Kempe’s awakened awareness is found in her self-assertion which rejects patriarchal interpretations of her experience. Rejecting the marginal definitions of what a woman’s role can be, Kempe claims her new insight and asserts new definitions of traditional behavior. Kempe expresses the ideal of spiritual virginity externally by wearing white clothes.

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