Write a brief, informal paper (1-2 typed pages) in response to the following question:

What is it about Margery Kempe that elicits such violent opposition and anger from the people around her?

One would think that her detractors saw her as some kind of threat.  Why else would they get so excited and angry over this relatively insignificant woman?  But in what way does she pose a threat to them?

As you ponder these issues, I recommend that you think about several levels:

1. Think socially.  What is it about Margery Kempe's behavior that might be perceived as a threat to accepted norms of propriety and decorum in society?  Why are people so annoyed with her weeping and crying?  Is there evidence in the reading assignment that Margery is perceived as a threat in this respect?
2. Think spiritually.  What is it about Margery Kempe's spirituality that might be perceived as a threat to accepted norms of religion and spiritual life?  Why do her enemies keep testing her on the articles of faith, especially on her beliefs about the Eucharist?  Is there evidence in the reading assignment that Margery is perceived as a threat in this respect?
3. Think matrimonially.  What is it about Margery Kempe's ideas and example that might be perceived as a threat to the social institution of marriage?  How does Margery feel about marriage?  What does her example say to others about the institution?  Is there evidence in the reading assignment that Margery is perceived as a threat in this respect?
4. Think in terms of gender.  What is it about Margery Kempe's choices in life that might be perceived as a threat to male dominance in her society?  How are her actions and beliefs a threat to the patriarchy?  Is there evidence in the reading assignment that Margery is perceived as a threat in this respect?
5. Think politically.  What is it about Margery Kempe's ideas and actions that might be perceived as a threat to the lines of power in the political order of her day?  Why do mayors, bishops, and pastors want her out of their territories?  What threat does she pose to their peaceful rule?  Is there evidence in the reading assignment that Margery is perceived as a threat in this respect?
6. Is it a surprise to you that Margery Kempe was perceived as a threat by many people and that she elicited such violent opposition, especially among the powerful?  Do you think Margery intended to threaten these people?

NOTE ON RESPONSE PAPERS: I ask you to type your response papers (so that they are easier to read), but they need not be a perfect, polished product.  Rather, response papers should be just what their name says -- a response.  Think about the question(s) that I ask you to consider; then, write a response.  Don't worry about typos or comma splices or even organization.  Don't worry about answering every question I ask in the assignment.  Just be as specific as you can and get down as much as you can as quickly as you can.  Treat response papers more as a journal entry than as a formal paper.  I don't want a thesis or five-paragraph theme.  Rather, I want an exploration -- as detailed and concrete as possible.  As long as you submit a response paper of suitable length (about 2 pages), detail, and thoughtfulness (and as long as you turn it in on time in the class assigned), you will receive all the points that the assignment is worth.  Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and organization have no effect on the number of points you receive.  (NOTE: If you choose not to submit a response paper for extra credit, you should still come to class prepared to discuss the questions assigned, since we will focus on those questions in our discussion of the reading assignment.)