Faculty Research in Progress Seminars: Soul-Sleep and Awakening

Location

Maher Hall, Room 253

Free

Soul-Sleep and Awakening: Gnosis in the Middle English Pearl and the “Hymn of the Pearl” in the Apocryphal Acts of Thomas 
Presented by Maura Giles-Watson, PhD

This paper analyzes the Middle English Pearl in relation to the Gnostic tradition, and examines the Pearl-poet’s adaptation of the Gnostic soul symbol for his putatively orthodox purposes. Although specifically excluded from the canon by St. Augustine, the Apocryphal Acts of Thomas enjoyed wide circulation in vernacular translations in Britain, continental Europe, and the Near East throughout the Middle Ages; for this reason questions of textual transmission and reception are also considered.

Maura Giles-Watson, PhD, teaches early English literature and drama and specializes in the Renaissance. She has taught at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Massachusetts-Boston; she also taught at the secondary level and holds teaching credentials in English and Latin. Maura plays the cello and previously served as Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Arts and Humanities in Boston.

About Faculty Research in Progress Seminars
The Center for Catholic Thought and Culture aims to remedy this and give faculty a chance to try out work in progress – a book chapter, journal article or paper soon to be presented at a conference among a curious and inquisitive yet friendly environment close to home! We invite faculty to join us at a regular seminar gathering together faculty members to discuss their particular research and writings.