The Gnostic Paradigm: Forms of Knowing in English Literature of the Late Middle Ages

By the later fourteenth century, Gnosticism and its influences seem to have dispersed almost completely, at least on the surface. Certainly the late-medieval church was vigorous in its efforts to teach orthodoxy to the laity. Yet a sense of simmering continuation, and outright reemergence, has figured in a number of studies of late-medieval literature. Yet to this point, no study has been carried out examining the gnostic undercurrent with specific regard to medieval England. Investigating the existence of gnostic traces in some of the more prominently "Catholic" late medieval English literary works will lead to a reevaluation of late medieval English literature on the one hand but will also show the way in which these texts foreground elements of gnosticism that may have not been obvious up to this point. This study, therefore, seeks to shed light on a gnostic dimension that was there all along, but not recognized or, therefore, fully appreciated.

"Natanela Elias's The Gnostic Paradigm illuminates a little understood but often felt dimension of late medieval literature. Gnosticism is essential to Western culture and its shadow must be grasped by whoever seeks historical self-understanding. Through careful examination of the spectral gnostic presence in Middle-English texts, this study reveals the wisdom of its hidden light, suggesting how much darker our world would be without it.' Nicola Masciandaro, Professor of English, Brooklyn College, CUNY, USA 

 

"The Gnostic Paradigm traces a rich vein of Gnosticism through Christian thought and late medieval English literature. This study offers exciting new readings of the work of the Pearl poet, William Langland's Piers Plowman, and John Gower's Confessio Amantis —readings that suggest that these widely-studied texts may be less orthodox than has previously been assumed." - Professor Diane Watt, Head of School of English and Languages, University of Surrey, UK

 

"The Gnostic Paradigm is a very persuasive and important book that deepens our knowledge of the survival of 'gnostic-like' ideas in late medieval English literature. It is sure to stimulate much discussion and encourage additional research. Those whose research interests are in medieval English literature and Gnosticism will benefit a great deal from this work; it is a must in any personal or institutional library." - Alberto Ferreiro, Seattle Pacific University

 

By the later fourteenth century, it has been assumed that Gnosticism and its influences dispersed almost completely. While the late-medieval church was vigorous in its efforts to teach orthodoxy to the laity, Natanela Elias reveals here that gnosticism actually simmered below the surface in a number of late-medieval texts. The first of its kind, this study examines this spiritual undercurrent in late medieval English literary works and sheds new light.

No study has been carried out examining the gnostic undercurrents in medieval England. For the first time, Natanela Elias investigates the existence of these gnostic traces, using prominent late medieval English literary works such as Piers Plowman and Confessio Amantis and ultimately shedding light on a previously overlooked religious dimension.

Natanela Elias is Lecturer in the School of Education and the Academic Institute for Arab Teacher Training at Beit Berl College, Israel.

1. Gnosticism and Late Medieval Literature
2. Pearl's Patience and Purity: Gnosticism in the Pearl Poet's Oeuvre
3. The Truth about Piers Plowman
4. Gower's Bower of Bliss: A Successful Passing into Hermetic Gnosis
Conclusion: Knowing the Christian Middle Ages: A Gnostic Journey into the Self