Ordering Women’s Lives: Penitentials and Nunnery Rules in the Early Medieval West

Abstract

Contents: Introduction The texts Section i - Penitentials: History: Public penance Private penance Purposes of penance The place of penitentials in women's lives Sexuality: Sexuality within marriage: Marriage by abduction Serial monogamy Kin marriage Abstinence within marriage Modes of intercourse Adultery Divorce Sexuality outside marriage: Fornication Rape Sexual incest Prostitution Deviant sexuality Sacred space Clerical marriage and sexuality The nunnery Volition Work and magic: Women's work with non-magical associations Healthcare Contraception and abortion Childcare Magical and pagan practices Healing Contraception and abortion Love magic Food preparation Textile work Intentional evil magic Funeral practices Section II - Nunnery Rules: History: Eremetic and domestic asceticism Augustine's 'Rule for Nuns' Early western monasticism Benedict's rule Caesarius' rule for nuns Columbanian monasticism Early monasticism in England 8th-century Benedictine movement 10th-century reform movements Enclosure: Nunnery structures The rules for enclosure Work and abstinence: Abstinence Detachment from the secular world Relinquishment of status Poverty Avoidance of friendship Silence Simplicity of dress Fasting and food Work Prayer Reading Domestic labour Special officers Abbess and prioress Obedience Conclusion Bibliography Index.

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