This thesis examines the spiritual and physical understandings of the female body, as well as its portrayal in literature written by both men and women. The mystical nature related to female bodies allows women to house extra souls in their bodies during pregnancy as well as have other preternatural experiences such as possessions, disturbed sleep (sleepwalking, sleep paralysis) or out-of-body experiences. Authors and texts examined include: The Duchess of Malfi, The Winter's Tale, Hester Pulter's Poetry, Anne Bathurst's writing, Eleanor Davies's writing and others.

 

 

<< Research students

Contact