Date sent: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 12:06:25 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Re: medieval pornography
From: Jo Ann McNamara <[log in to unmask]>
To: MADELEINE GRAY <[log in to unmask]>
Copies to: joann mcnamara <[log in to unmask]>,
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The writing of "nun pornography" and the sport of trying to seduce or
rape nuns is very widespread throughout the middle ages and into modern
times. I assume that the reason is that men in general can't comprehend
that at least some women can do without them. What is more distressing
is how often even respectable scholars like Eileen Power take this
literature as a reflection of fact and assume that when nuns are abducted
from their convents it is with their own assent. I address this subject
as an ongoing theme in my book, _Sisters in Arms._
Jo Ann McNamara
Politics could play a part too, as in the rape of the abbess of Kildare.
Discrediting nuns left the way open for their nunneries to be taken away from
them and put to other uses. Presumably rape often had a ritual character in
this period (as it does nowadays too in warfare), and could be used to open up
feuds.
Julia Barrow
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