Sandy Robinson (CRCDS)

Topics in Mysticism: January 2008

Prof. Glenn Miller: BTS

Mirror of Not-so-Simple Souls:

Marguerite Porete and the Beguines

Presentation Outline: basic headnotes

I. The Beguines

A. Brief historical/theological context

B. Daily lives

C. Hadewijch, Mechthild

II. Marguerite Porete (Marguerite of Hainault)

A. Brief bio

B. Relationship with church

III. Mirror of Simple Souls

A. Full title: Two versions

B. Linguistic significance: Courtly language (minne)

C. Literary analysis

1. Structure

2. Themes

D. Concept of the “mirror”

IV. Marguerite’s death: the Inquisition

V. Points of reflection

A. Mystic, prophet, martyr… “active resistor?”

B. Phoenix Rising: a hopeful note in conclusion