(This is the image from the manuscript that shows Christina talking with Jesus - as evidenced by his crucifix halo.)
Instead
of focusing on something outside of class, I decided once again to pull my
topic from the readings. Within The Life
of Christina of Markyate there are many various things one can focus on.
Today I am relating an idea I noticed in this book with our earlier readings
from Christine de Pizan. This idea is that of feminine romantic love. While the
author of this book is quick to dispel any rumors about Christina’s sexual
attraction for men, he does something strange when referring to women,
especially the Virgin Mary. It almost seems as though Christina’s love for the
virgin transcends that of adoration and moves into an emotional romantic love,
without the sexual desire. There are even subtle indications that the love
between Christina and the Virgin Mary is somehow different. The most powerful
quote that addresses this reads, “She [Christina] did not dare speak, but in
her heart she said, ‘Oh if only I were allowed to gaze upon your face.’ And
immediately the empress turned her face towards her and said, with warm
friendliness, ‘You may look now, and later I shall bring you into my bedchamber
together with Judith, where you may have your full of contemplation,” (Talbot
26).
The
reason this is such an interesting idea to think about is that largely
lesbianism in history is ignored. Sodomy
or being homosexual is extremely frowned upon in almost all cultures, yet few
ever blatantly prohibit lesbianism unless it translates into cross-dressing. The
idea that Christina may have held romantic feelings for women, especially the
most glorious of women, the Virgin Mary could make this book something
completely different. It would partially explain why it was so easy for her to
scorn men’s advances. But taken a step farther if she only held an emotional
and mental love for women, then the denial of sexual pleasure would have also
been as easy as removing a coat. The connection with Christine de Pizan comes
in the form of her love of women, reading The
Book of the City of Ladies exemplifies this love because she builds a city
for virtuous women to live and learn together for their lives. Again, this love
of women would not be one of sexual desire but of emotional and mental
connections. Throughout her writing she does not say anything quite as strongly
as the author of Christina’s text does, but instead consistently refers to
women as “my dear ladies” or a similar description, which proves her heart
holds these women close.
Citation:
Talbot, C.H., ed. The Life of Christina of Markyate.
Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008.
Coursepacket, Christine de Pizan,
The Book of the City of Ladies.
38-45.
2 comments:
GREAT quote, and great pick up on interpretation!
The one thing that I would say, is keep on the look out for equally sensual/love-y imagery, even towards men. Some with Roger was on pp. 40+ perhaps. Jesus?
This was very on target with new 12th century humanism, courtly love literature, and emerging writing about emotions and feelings. One scholar has argued that to include women in the this dialogue (a women's sensual experience, not her sensuality, though not acted upon) represents a new genre. More tomorrow on this, be on the lookout for other examples.
Jenn, awesome analysis. This topic is also one that I picked up on for the reading from Wednesday. I wonder if perhaps the sheer fact that Christina was able to be so close to the Holy Mother that the only emotion she could feel was love? In Christina's mindset, the Holy Mother was the epitome of all women-something that Christina herself tried to be and emulate. The love she felt for this "heavenly goddess" might have just been admiration. Again, awesome analysis!
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