The theology of grace, justification, and Baptism in Pearl

Author

Jena Theresa Trammell

Date of Award

8-1998

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

English

Major Professor

Thomas Heffernan

Committee Members

Joseph Trahern, Laura Howes, Paul Barrette, James Shehon

Abstract

Critics of Pearl are in general agreement regarding the orthodoxy of the Pearl maiden's doctrinal speeches. In consequence, critics generally interpret the character of the dreamer as one who is theologically ignorant or as one who has rebelled against the word of God. Nevertheless, it is my view that many important textual details lend support to another interpretation of Pearl: that Pearl is a poem intended to clarify issues of current theological controversy pertaining to grace, justification, and baptism. These were issues at the center of theological disputations between Thomas Bradwardine and William of Ockham and his followers in the mid-fourteenth century. This study examines the contemporary relevance of Pearl's theological discourse as it aids in explaining the speaker's portrayal, his confusion, questions, and objections, as well as the maiden's divine exposition.

Chapter One is an introduction to Pearl as a literary work and a fuller desertion of the following chapters. Chapter Two is an overview of scholarship and criticism on Pearl. Chapter Three examines the history of the theology of grace and justification, emphasizing contemporary disagreements originating in the radical nominalistic doctrines of William of Ockham and his followers. Thomas Bradwardine was the leading defender of the orthodox position and is best known for his treatise De causa Dei contra Pelagium (1344), written to combat the heretical notions of grace propagated by the Ockhamists. Bradwardine's position was later taken up by Richard Fitzralph and John Wyclif

Chapter Four provides a history of the sacrament of baptism as it relates to the contemporary theological disputes and the poet's concerns in Pearl Chapter Five presents a new reading of Pearl and discusses how the poet has carefully chosen and is aware of the complex theological traditions of grace, justification, and baptism. The Pearl maiden's speeches accord with the orthodox Augustinian tradition defended by Bradwardine. Chapter Six briefly summarizes the study and offers suggestions for further study.

Finally, Pearl may be interpreted as the poet's effort to discredit the heresies of nominalistic theology. The dreamer, confused due to awareness of the current disputations, is counseled and corrected by the Pearl maiden.

Recommended Citation

Trammell, Jena Theresa, "The theology of grace, justification, and Baptism in Pearl. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 1998.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/9385