Sanctified by penance

a comparative analysis of the representations of suffering from a gendered perspective in the hagiographies of Venantius Fortunatus and Baudonivia (sixth and seventh centuries)

Abstract

This paper will discuss the results of the undergraduate research project entitled The life of Saint Radegund of Poitiers on a gender studies perspective: a comparative analysis of the hagiographies by Venantius Fortunatus and Baudonivia (sixth and seventh centuries), that has as primary documents two early medieval hagiographies, both centered on Saint Radegund of Poitiers: one written by the poet and bishop Venantius Fortunatus, and the other by the nun Baudonivia, also from Poitiers. The main research question is to investigate and discuss whether gender markings can be identified in the texts, considering the gender of each author, using a comparative methodology to examine this issue. Following a brief presentation of the theoretical and methodological framework of the research, as well as an introduction of both hagiographies, we analyze passages from the texts related to the theme of suffering to highlight potential gender differences. While the findings support the initial hypothesis, the study expands the discussion to include other factors that contribute to gender markings. These include the distinct social positions of the authors and their differing relationships with the ideals and lived realities of monastic life.