The Religion of Marguerite de Navarre: A Study Based on a Reading of her Poetry in the Context of the Traditions of Devotional Writing of the Late Middle Ages and Early Reformation.
Robert Gary FergusonA problem of interpretation confronting the reader of devotional literature is identified in terms of the epistemological structures within which, and the linguistic formulations by which, ideas and sentiments are given expression, The thesis therefore seeks to establish this new interpretative context in terms of the religious structures and the religious language found in Marguerite's own poems, and, more generally, in the traditions of devotional writing of the
time.
Four main theological issues, brought to prominence at the time of the Reformation, are examined: the nature of Christian justification; the role of the Church and the sacraments; the problem of faith and works; attitudes to the Bible and its interpretation.
It is the contention of this thesis that in each of these areas Marguerite reveals both her dependence upon traditional devotional writing and her openness to and interest in contemporary religious discussion. Influenced much by those of her age concerned to promote a non-schismatic renewal of the Church and a deepening of lay piety, Marguerite combines ideas from both these sources in a synthesis, which is both well informed and of considerable originality and integrity.