Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index

Record Number: 10404
Author(s)/Creator(s): Dusel , Juliana, Sister
Contributor(s):
Title: Bride of Christ: Image in the the "Ancren Riwle"
Source: Sovereign Lady: Essays on Women in Middle English Literature. Edited by Muriel Whitaker. Garland Publishing, 1995. Pages 115 - 132.
Description:
Article Type: Essay
Subject (See Also): Anchoresses Ancrene Wisse, Middle English Devotional Work Bride of Christ, Image of Courtly Love Literature- Prose Mystics Religious Life Women in Religion
Geographic Area: British Isles
Century: 13
Related Resources: "Sister Juliana Dusel writes of "The Bride of Christ Image in the Ancren Riwle." This was a book of instructions for three anchoresses, blood sisters, who sought some guidance for their way of life. The author of the Riwleuses the imagery of marriage to describe the relationship between the anchorite and Christ. Sister Dusel traces this imagery to its biblical sources (the prophet Osee, the Canticle of Canticles, the apostle Paul). The Fathers of the Church and medieval theologians continued to use this metaphor in speaking of the soul's union with God. St. Bernard of Clairvaux' sermons on the Canticle of Canticleswere especially influential in developing this understanding of the love of God. This imagery formed a popular motif in Middle English lyrics as well. Christ was depicted as a chivalric knight in pursuit of the human soul. His love for this soul moved Him to suffer and die for its salvation. This essay is a timely reminder of the validity of an allegorical understanding which often seems misunderstood in contemporary society." From the review written by Elizabeth Walsh of "Sovereign Lady," "Medieval Review" (TMR ID: 96.12.11). [Reproduced by permission of the "Medieval Review."].
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Year of Publication: 1995.
Language: English
ISSN/ISBN: Not Available
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