Authority and the Female Body in the Writings of Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe

Exploring the writings of Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe, this study highlights how their works reflect and engage with medieval attitudes toward women and the female body. Central to their narratives, the female body serves as a lens for their mystical experiences, allowing them to craft a feminized language that asserts their authority. The analysis also delves into the archetypal representations of women in medieval society—mother, whore, and wise woman—demonstrating how both authors navigate societal expectations while articulating their own experiences as women and writers.