Discuss the relationship between language and the body in Julian of Norwichs A Revelation of Love
Discuss the relationship between language and the body in Julian of Norwich's A Revelation of Love A Revelation of Love relies on language, an ultimately human and physical mode of expression, to describe its spiritual experience. Julian's use of language draws attention to the very clear delineation between physical and spiritual modes of communication, while simultaneously existing as a metaphorical representation of the word becoming flesh. Julian both describes the spiritual in physical terms and uses physical metaphors to convey her spiritual experiences. This confusing relationship which swings between the literal and the metaphorical is synthesised in Julian's discussion of 'sight'. There is a clear distinction between 'bodily' sight and 'gostly sight', a spiritual way of gaining 'understondyng' and becoming closer to God through a communication that exists outside the confines of language as we know it. This attempt to describe in words an experience that is literally indescribable is perhaps what makes Julian of Norwich's writing so remarkable. The spiritual experiences she communicates are ineffable; it is a mode of knowing which 'transcends the normal faculties of sense and intellect.'1 Several characteristics of the language suggest that Julian dictated the work to an amanuensis: the rhythms and inflexions of a speaking voice inherent in the language, her
Humor-driven Social Commentary in the Medieval Period. "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" highlights the faults of knights and of chivalry. "The General Prologue" highlights the shift away from serfdom.
Dr. B British Literature 26 September 2021 Humor-driven Social Commentary in the Medieval Period The medieval period was an interesting time for literature as literacy was not common except among the aristocracy. The authors of the time would simply write down the oral tales from before, adding whatever they needed for their written version. It was also a time of social and political unrest. The rise of the merchant class was a drastic shift away from the feudal system. Literature during this time tended to be funny. Humor and humorous commentary is a prevalent theme throughout most of its secular literary works. "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is an Arthurian tale and is a perfect example of social commentary in medieval literature. Its commentary on chivalric code and the hubris of the crown is timeless and can still be learned from today. It also holds comedic value in its humorous depiction of Sir Gawain's quest. "The General Prologue" of The Canterbury Tales is a perfect example of humor in medieval literature. Chaucer uses humor generously throughout The Canterbury Tales allowing it to be a more palatable series of stories that comment on social issues. However the story also serves as a very thorough social commentary on many different peoples during the medieval period. "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is a representative piece of medieval literature because