Out of sight, but not out of mind

A Middle Dutch religious allegory as guide towards the absent Christ

Bibliographic Data

ID13003365
AuthorsL A Smits (0000-0002-4790-7246, University of Antwerp, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume14
Issue1
Pages179-201
Publication date2023-02-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
Venuepostmedieval a journal of medieval cultural studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2040-5960 • E-ISSN: 2040-5979
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1057/s41280-022-00259-7
OpenAlexW4319298637
LanguageEN
References cited24

The Daughter Zion allegory has previously been interpreted as a failed allegory for mystical union, both because it relies on personification allegory and because some versions do not actually portray intimate union between the soul and God. Focusing on the Middle Dutch incunable Vander dochtere van syon een deuoet exercitie ( A Devout Exercise on the Daughter of Zion ), printed by Gheraert Leeu in 1492, I will offer a different interpretation that is based on what the narrative does, rather than on what it does not do. By creating complex characters with inner lives and by fuelling speculation about their motivations, the text creates potent candidates for an intense, mediated relationship with the divine that is similar to parasocial relationships with fictional characters. The text helps the (likely female) reader to develop the devotional skills that will aid her in her spiritual progress

Allegory · Art · Interpretation (philosophy · Linguistics · Literature · Mysticism · Narrative · Soul · Theology · Folklore, Mythology, and Literature Studies · Media, Religion, Digital Communication · Philosophy · Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices

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Open DOIOpen Access