Date of Completion
2016
Thesis Type
College of Arts and Science Honors
Department
History
First Advisor
Sean L. Field
Keywords
medieval, women, Hildegard, Mechthild, Elisabeth
Abstract
Women in medieval Europe who had divine visions were often unable to record their experiences without the support of a male cleric or scribe. The relationship between the women writers and the men who aided them was influenced by positions of authority. Whereas men held institutional authority in the form of Church offices, visionary women held a spiritual or informal authority. Women could also hold institutional authority if they held a position in the monastic structure. The level of power granted or denied based on status within or outside that structure had an influence on holy women’s writings, justifications, and relationships with men.
Recommended Citation
Clauss, Erin, "Women Writers in the Medieval Church: Context, Hierarchy, and Reception" (2016). UVM College of Arts and Sciences College Honors Theses. 23.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/castheses/23