Julian of Norwich

I really enjoyed reading the excerpts from Julian of Norwich’s A Book of Showings. Julian describes her visions briefly before she expounds upon their meaning “as to [her] sight.” (415) The use of phrases such as “as to my sight” is one way that Julian navigates the difficult position of writing as a woman in the fourteenth century. I personally found it really funny that she basically says some version of IMO after spending paragraphs discussing the deep theological meanings of her visions. It is as if she is saying “but that’s just my opinion” after every profound point she makes. It is a very effective way of countering any backlash from men higher up in the church.

Since she can not rely on directly stating her authority on such theological matters to make her argument, Julian has to appeal to her audience in other ways. One way is by making clear logical statements and comparisons. For example, she compares Jesus and the love he has for everyone as the love a mother has for her children (420). This example sets up a metaphor that is woven throughout most of our selections in the book. Jesus’ crucifixion is compared to a mother who dies giving birth, then Jesus is compared to a mother protecting her children when they need it (421).

Julian also writes about an incredibly optimistic outlook on the human condition. She writes that Jesus told her “all shall be well.” (418) Julian comes to believe that the visions sent to her were to show her “that Love is our Lord’s meaning.” (424) The sheer optimism of her views is shown in that even sin is beneficial to us because we come to see the love of God better through sin and suffering.

One last thing. I found it very interesting how Julian describes all of creation as a hazelnut, a spherical object. The idea of a spherical earth was not unheard of in the late middle ages, but I think it is still interesting that she believed in some way that the earth of all of creation was spherical.