Performing virginity and testing chastity in the Middle Ages
By: Kathleen Coyne Kelly.
Series: Routledge research in medieval studies ;; 2
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 2000
Place of publication: London; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 197
Subjects: Literature, Medieval -- History and criticism.; Virginity -- Religious aspects -- Christianity -- History of doctrines -- Middle Ages, 600-1500.; Christianity and literature -- Europe -- History -- To 1500.; Romances -- History and criticism.; Virginity in literature.; Christian hagiography -- History -- To 1500.
Description: "Performing Virginity and Testing Chastity in the Middle Ages challenges the belief that female virginity can be reliably and unambiguously defined, tested, and verified. Kelly analyzes a variety of medieval Western European texts, including medical treatises and their classical antecedents, and historical and legal documents. The main focus is the representation of both female and male virgins in saints' legends and romances. The author also explores examples from contemporary fiction, television, and film in which testing virginity is a theme."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [177]-192) and index.