MARGERY KEMPE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS KEMPE’S WORK IS DEEMED BY

MARGERY KEMPE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS KEMPE’S WORK IS DEEMED BY






Margery Kempe Discussion Questions

Margery Kempe Discussion Questions


Kempe’s work is deemed by scholars as the “first autobiography” in English. Is this an accurate assessment? What are the “conditions” or characteristics of autobiography? Her story is mostly third person narrative, so is it truly her story?


Also, what's up with all the crying?! What do you make of the remarks about all the "plenteous and abundant tears" and her need to state she cried so much?


Kempe seems to want us to feel what Christ experienced (refer to her Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, especially the link between Christ's "passion" and her emotions). Why does she focus on Christ’s suffering?


Consider how Kempe tries to have two "husbands": the human, mortal one with whom she must negotiate chastity (and later nurses in his old age) vs. her spiritual bridegrooom, Christ.


A commodity is defined as a marketable item produced to satisfy wants or needs. Does Margery use sex in this fashion? Why or why not? Is she successful?


Kempe visits Julian of Norwich. Why does she do so? What does Julian tell her?


Explain why Kempe must explain her return to her husband in his old age? How might this reinforce and perpetuate accepted gender roles of that era?










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