Jeopardized virginity An analysis of rape and spiritual virginity in medieval Europe

This thesis addresses whether or not, according to theologians, virgins could maintain their virginity even after instances of physical loss, such as rape. I will use post-structuralism as the method. This thesis will use a socio-cultural analysis by viewing virginity's relationship with the norms of society. It will examine virginity and its place within texts and the Christian tradition. Most importantly, it will view how virginity has changed over time, and from one thinker to the next in response to the tension between the body and spirit. Beginning with Augustine, and into the medieval era, there are theological ideas that allow for virginity to remain even after physical losses like rape. This was not true for most thinkers before Augustine. Physical virginity was rendered absolute in order to claim virginity.;The goal is to assess raped virginity's place within medieval society. Virginity offered an escape to women who did not wish to marry and bear children, and also offered the highest honor of heavenly reward alongside martyrdom. However, maintaining physical virginity could not always be guaranteed. Rape was a threat to many Holy Virgins in medieval Europe, especially in times of violence. This paper will assess how women of the convents were able to maintain their virginity even when threatened with violation. The change in the theology of virginity provided a way for these virgins to challenge rape. Spiritual virginity, which was in constant tension with bodily virginity, was an idea developed in response to rape, allowing a woman's access to virginity regardless of physical intactness.