Paper Summary:

This paper attempts to recognize the modern vision of an "empowered woman" in medieval English literature since numerous female characters, both religious and secular, demonstrate a power far beyond the traditional sphere of the subservient woman. Examples of such women are the Virgin Mary who appears in many works and the female characters in "Beowulf".

From the Paper:

"The medieval romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight also presents the Virgin Mary as a key figure, able to influence men for the better by personifying Christian values, "representing spiritual love, chastity, obedience and life"(Arkin). At his moment of testing, Gawain draws strength from the image of the Virgin Mary etched on his shield. Mary's symbolic power, here, is as important as her power to act merely seeing her face is a reminder of the courtly ideal. The effects of Mary on medieval literature, as intermediary, voluntary mother, and representative of Christianity, should not be underestimated."

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