Date of Award
1996
Document Type
Thesis
Department
English
First Reader
Dr. Johnny Wink
Second Reader
Dr. Tom Greer
Third Reader
Dr. Isaac M.T. Mwase
Abstract
Aemilia Lanyer's poetry has been hidden in obscurity since its first appearance in 1611. Despite the efforts of Renaissance--and, more aggressively, feminist--scholars to bring her Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum to the attention of the literate public, the mention of Lanyer's name still elicits frowns and scratched heads from non-specialist readers. Attempting to canonize such a little-known author almost screams literary affirmative action to conservative readers, especially when the validity of Lanyer scholarship has not been determined. Before such action, affirmative or otherwise, can be taken, we must first define modern criteria for the literary canon, and then examine Lanyer's poetry on its own merits. Only then can her position as a representative of her gender and culture be considered as a factor in canonization.
In this thesis I will attempt to introduce Lanyer's poetry to a new audience by explicating major passages of Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum, particularly her non-traditional Biblical allusions and interpretations. I will also present what is known about her life and her relationships with the women she solicited as patrons. I will then construct an argument in favor of Lanyer's works being canonized.
Recommended Citation
Barton, Mary Beth, "Ӕmilia Lanyer's Place in the Literary Canon" (1996). Honors Theses. 88.
https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/honors_theses/88
Included in
Christianity Commons, English Language and Literature Commons, Poetry Commons, Women's History Commons