The Discourse of Enclosure: Representing Women in Old English Literature

by Shari Horner

The enclosure of women, whether literally in monastic establishments or socially by marriage and convention, strongly influenced the female subjects and authors of Old English literature. Horner's interesting study examines the restriction of women and the forces that enclosed them in a wide range of texts, including Beowulf , elegies, female lyrics and Saints' Lives. She also looks at the ways in which female heroines, victims and authors could struggle against their lot and examines the relationship between textual and bodily violence.

217 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horner has a gift for taking a scholarly, complex topic and making it feel conversational and understandable. I read this book as part of a class, but I'd have enjoyed it even if I picked it up randomly.