Laywomen and authority in France during the Great Western Schism, 1378-1417 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in History at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
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2023-06-10
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Massey University
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Abstract
The period of the Great Western Schism (1378-1417) was one of great religious and political division in France. This crisis threatened institutional authority, creating opportunities for laywomen to become more influential. Though historians have considered the fascinating imagery produced by female visionaries during this time and the role that noble and religious women played in the Schism, they have not fully considered how laywomen were able to capitalise on the political and ecclesiastical crises of authority to make their voices heard. Starting by exploring the medieval models of sanctity for women, this thesis considers the experiences of three visionary laywomen and how they adapted or adopted certain hagiographical topoi to legitimise their voices as God’s messengers. Marie Robine (d.1399), Constance de Rabastens (d.1386), and Ermine de Reims (d.1396) lived in different areas of France and supported different papacies, yet all experienced life-changing visions influenced by the Schism. The social networks they formed around themselves also impacted the level of influence these women attained. While Marie and Constance attempted to use their visions to influence Schism politics, Ermine tried to hide hers away but was forced into the public eye by her confessor. The experiences of these women reveal more clearly the tensions between gender, authority, and agency for laywomen during a brief but tumultuous period in France’s history. This thesis provides a clear example of how medieval laywomen of non-noble social status were not just silent witnesses of great political and religious turmoil in their communities, but actively engaged and eager to influence those in power.
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medieval history, Church history, women, gender, authority, power, influence, France, Europe