TL;DR
The Book of Margery Kempe is the earliest surviving autobiography in English, recounting the life, spiritual journey, and visions of Margery Kempe, a medieval wife, mother, and pilgrim.
What is The Book of Margery Kempe about
The Book of Margery Kempe details the extraordinary life of Margery Kempe, a medieval woman who transitioned from a troubled wife and mother to a devout pilgrim and visionary. The book, dictated by Kempe herself, offers a vivid recount of her life, including her struggles with madness, failed business ventures, and profound spiritual experiences. Kempe's journey takes her on pilgrimages across Europe and the Holy Land, driven by her divine revelations and intense religious devotion.
The Book of Margery Kempe 6 Key Takeaways
Birth and Early Life
Margery Kempe was born in Norfolk, England, in the late 14th century. Her early life was marked by typical medieval experiences, including marriage and motherhood.
Madness and Spiritual Awakening
After the birth of her first child, Kempe experienced a period of madness, which she believed was a spiritual trial. This event marked the beginning of her deep religious journey.
Failed Business Ventures
Kempe attempted to run a brewery and other businesses, all of which failed, leading her to devote herself entirely to a spiritual life.
Pilgrimages
Kempe undertook numerous pilgrimages to holy sites across Europe and the Holy Land, driven by her visions and religious fervor.
Charges of Heresy
Kempe faced accusations of heresy due to her unconventional religious practices and frequent public displays of piety, including uncontrollable weeping.
Writing the Autobiography
Unable to read or write, Kempe dictated her life story to scribes later in life, creating what is now recognized as the earliest surviving autobiography in English.
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The Book of Margery Kempe Best Reviews
- 'Kempe's autobiography is an invaluable window into the life of a medieval woman whose spiritual experiences and religious fervor challenge contemporary notions of piety and devotion.' – The Guardian
- 'Barry Windeatt's modern English translation makes Kempe’s complex and often challenging text accessible to modern readers.' – The Times Literary Supplement
Top The Book of Margery Kempe Quotes
- 'My soul is your soul, and my joy is your joy, and my sorrow is your sorrow.'
- 'I saw with my spiritual eye how our Lord was crucified for my sins.'
Who should read The Book of Margery Kempe?
The Book of Margery Kempe is ideal for readers interested in medieval history, religious studies, and women's studies. Scholars and enthusiasts alike will find Kempe's vivid recounting of her spiritual journey and the societal challenges she faced both enlightening and inspiring.
The Book of Margery Kempe FAQs
What was The Book of Margery Kempe about?
It details Kempe's life, her travels, her accounts of divine revelation including her visions of interacting with the Trinity, particularly Jesus, as well as other biblical figures.
What was Margery Kempe accused of?
She was accused of heresy, primarily due to her frequent bouts of public weeping, which were seen as an intense symptom of her religious piety.
Why did Margery Kempe cry?
Kempe cried intensely when she heard about Christ's suffering, feeling a deep emotional connection to his pain and sorrow.