Performing Virginity and Testing Chastity in the Middle Ages

This study presents a compelling and provocative study of virginity, which challenges the belief that female virginity can be reliably and unambiguously defined, tested and verified.

List of contents

Introduction. Castitas/Virginitas 1. Hymenologies: the multiple signs of virginity 2. 'Armour of Proof': the virgin and the Church in hagiography 3. 'Love's Traces': the lady and test in romance 4. Oxymoronic bodies: male virgins in hagiography and romance 5. Multiple virgins and contemporary virginities

About the author

Kathleen Coyne Kelly

Summary

This study presents a compelling and provocative study of virginity, which challenges the belief that female virginity can be reliably and unambiguously defined, tested and verified.

Product details

• Authors: Kathleen Coyne Kelly, Kelly Kathleen Coyne
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 10.04.2014
• EAN: 9780415758246
• ISBN: 978-0-415-75824-6
• No. of pages: 208
• Series: Routledge Research in Medieval Studies; Routledge Research in Medieval Studies
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > Antiquity; SOCIAL SCIENCE / Gender Studies, HISTORY / Ancient / General, HISTORY / Social History, Social & cultural history, CE period up to c 1500, Medieval History, Social and cultural history, Gender studies, gender groups, History and Archaeology, European history: medieval period, middle ages, HISTORY / Europe / Medieval, LITERARY CRITICISM / Subjects & Themes / Gender Identity