I have no clue how to blog! I'm not sure of the dynamics nor the structure; I'm definately not computer savvy enough to post interesting and cute pictures of all that I may acquire (yet) and I definately don't possess any sort of creativity as to how this blog shall unveil itself to any readers (yet), BUT I hope -- and I have faith-- that my research will be sufficient and carry through the interest this novel deserves. For the tenure of the American Novel 4101 course, I will participate in one the most complex and intriguing research projects I have thus far encountered. Reading first Rebecca Reed's "Six Months in a Convent." What intruiged me most about this novel, was the fact that she was only in the convent for six months (six months!) before she got out. What happened in those six months that made her change her mind about her devotion not necessarily to the church, but to the sanctity of her relationship with God? Or, did her relationship with Christ play little to no importance in her decision to leave? What provoked her to leave the church? Was it the institution itself, the "body of christ," or was she simply in it for the wrong reasons?
When I checked-out the book from the UCF Library, I conveniently found "Ex-Nuns: Women Who Have Left the Convent," by Gerelyn Hollingsworth. As I skimmed its pages, I realized that many women (now and then) have joined convents as a means of escape; escape from their families, circumstance, even themselves. During this research project, I want to investigate Rebecca Reed's experience, why she was persuaded to join the convent initially, why so many women leave after such little time, etc. I also wish to examine Catholicism's role in such works- what's happening within the institution, a place of sanctity and restitution- that is driving away so many that flee into it as a "safe-haven." Also, how is this prevelent today? How are ex-nuns treated after they have left the church? What kinds of consequences must they face? What happened to Rebecca Reed? What statement was she making about the church when the book was finally published in the 1830's? Hopefully, these are all questions that will meet their answers upon my discoveries.
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3 comments:
Your blog title has a great pun, novice, the word that is used to describe women first entering the convent. Your thoughts about women joining convents to escape reminded me of another reason having to do with the Catholic Church's long intellectual tradition. Perhaps you have heard of Julian of Norwich, Hildegard of Bingen (medieval European), or Marie of the Ascension and Sor Juana de la Cruz (early North America). All of these women enjoyed rich lives of the mind in communities of women. They were able to read and write (and in the case of HB, even compose music) because they chose the convent. While it might be reaching to call their works feminist, these women intellectuals operate out of women-centered communities. Only because of the Church do we even have records of them and their thoughts. Please let me know if you'd like to hear some of HB's music, as I'm something of a fan. LML
I did notive that as well, and found it very interesting. I hadn't even seen the correlation when I chose the title. I had heard of Hildegard of Bingen, but I'll definately look into the rest. I think Rebecca Reeds novel accounts mainly of those who have chosen excommunication, so I think it would be important also to investigate the "other side." I think pointing out that the church has chosen to sustain most of these stories is important as well. It brings up a lot of good questions.
I would love to hear some of HB's music! I have one song that my high school piano/voice teacher gave me and it's beautiful. I'll have to make you a copy of it if you're interested.
I cannot carry a tune to save my life, so I admire your singing abilities. I left a comment about where to start with the research at another post, and I found some free listening to HoB here: http://www.rhapsody.com/hildegardvonbingen LML
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