Margery Kempe: An Analysis
Throughout the Middle Ages, Christianity dominated many aspects of society, as exemplified by The Book of Margery Kempe. Without a background of religion, there would be no context in which the book would exist. In fact,one might argue that religious figures, such as Jesus and his mother, Mary, are the most important characters within the narrative. With this emphasis on religion, one common activity among those who could afford it was pilgrimages in order to give sacrifices and respect to religious idols and saints. A large part of her story consists of Margery Kempe’s travels to many different religious sites, indicating her piety in devotion to Catholicism. The entire narrative emphasizes her faithfulness, but the pilgrimages in particular
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She faces many difficult situations while on pilgrimage that many other people would flee from. More than once, she faces certain death for her beliefs and preachings. There are many situations throughout the novel of people who leave her when things do not go her way. Theilmann states,“By the 15th century pilgrimage, along with other ritual aspects of religion, was being transformed into civic ritual in some areas. Groups of people often joined together on pilgrimage... Their aim was to enjoy the fellowship of the group and obtain protection as they took part in the pilgrimage.” (Theilmann 99). Following this logic, the group was necessary for the fulfillment of the pilgrim experience. Yet, this community was not available for Margery Kempe. One of the most poignant examples in which people abandon her is in chapter fifteen, “Her maiden, seeing trouble on every side, waxed rude against her mistress. She let her go alone in many good towns and would not go with her.” This abandonment was not only impolite, but it was downright dangerous. Her maiden was meant to be a source of comfort and support, yet this was not the case for any of her travel companions. This is one of the earliest examples of her being forsaken by her travelling companions, there are many other times when people in her fellowship abandon her, putting their intentions and values into
She faces many difficult situations while on pilgrimage that many other people would flee from. More than once, she faces certain death for her beliefs and preachings. There are many situations throughout the novel of people who leave her when things do not go her way. Theilmann states,“By the 15th century pilgrimage, along with other ritual aspects of religion, was being transformed into civic ritual in some areas. Groups of people often joined together on pilgrimage... Their aim was to enjoy the fellowship of the group and obtain protection as they took part in the pilgrimage.” (Theilmann 99). Following this logic, the group was necessary for the fulfillment of the pilgrim experience. Yet, this community was not available for Margery Kempe. One of the most poignant examples in which people abandon her is in chapter fifteen, “Her maiden, seeing trouble on every side, waxed rude against her mistress. She let her go alone in many good towns and would not go with her.” This abandonment was not only impolite, but it was downright dangerous. Her maiden was meant to be a source of comfort and support, yet this was not the case for any of her travel companions. This is one of the earliest examples of her being forsaken by her travelling companions, there are many other times when people in her fellowship abandon her, putting their intentions and values into