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IMC 2003: Sessions

Session 618: The Authority of the Written Word in Anglo-Saxon England

Tuesday 15 July 2003, 11.15-12.45

Sponsor:Medieval Research Centre, University of Leicester
Organisers:Elaine Treharne, Department of English, University of Leicester
Greg Walker, Department of English, University of Leicester
Moderator/Chair:Elaine Treharne, Department of English, University of Leicester
Paper 618-aThe Authority of the Female Hagiographic Subject: Aelfric and Aethelthryth
(Language: English)
Chloé A. Edwards, Department of History, University of Winchester
Index terms: Hagiography, Monasticism, Women's Studies
Paper 618-bThe Authority of Recall: Inscribed Memory and Anglo-Saxon Texts
(Language: English)
Paula Frances Tarratt Warrington, Department of English, University of Leicester
Index terms: Language and Literature - Old English
Paper 618-cThe Advantages of Anonymity: Freedom from Inscribed Authority?
(Language: English)
Claire L. Watson, School of English, University of Leicester
Index terms: Language and Literature - Old English, Sermons and Preaching
Abstract

This session will examine the authority given over to, and inherent in, the writings of the Anglo-Saxons, particularly with regard to hagiographers and homilists. The ways in which authority is inscribed in the voice of known authors, such as Aelfric, and anonymous authors will be investigated to determine the manner in which the emergence of literacy shaped the cultural and intellectual understanding of textual creators and recipients.