Plays · Question
How does Plays develop the theme of Chastity and Virginity?
Answer
Plays by Roswitha of Gandersheim develops Chastity and Virginity across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The plays consistently glorify the virtue of chastity, particularly in Christian virgins who resist sexual temptation and martyrdom, with the author explicitly stating her aim to celebrate 'the laudable chastity of Christian virgins' in contrast to pagan licentiousness.
Hrotswitha explicitly states her goal is to glorify the chastity of Christian virgins, contrasting it with the licentiousness of pagan works.
Constance's unwavering commitment to her vow of chastity drives the plot and her strategic deception.
Constance's indirect consent and the arrangement for John and Paul to accompany Gallicanus suggest her commitment to maintaining her virtuous lifestyle even within the marriage agreement.
Evidence in the book
- Preface to the Plays of Hrotswitha, German Religious and Virgin of the Saxon Race
Hrotswitha explicitly states her goal is to glorify the chastity of Christian virgins, contrasting it with the licentiousness of pagan works.
- Scene II
Constance's unwavering commitment to her vow of chastity drives the plot and her strategic deception.
- Scene IV
Constance's indirect consent and the arrangement for John and Paul to accompany Gallicanus suggest her commitment to maintaining her virtuous lifestyle even within the marriage agreement.
- Scene V
Constance prays for preservation of her virginity and exhorts Artemia and Attica to keep their vow of purity, linking it to the company of consecrated virgins.
- Scene XII
Constance and Gallicanus's daughters choose to keep their vow of virginity, and Gallicanus himself renounces marriage to serve God.
- Scene XIII
Constance and her virgins are praised for preserving their virginity, and Gallicanus supports their vow.
- Dulcitius
The sisters' unwavering commitment to virginity is central; Irena declares that defilement of the body without the soul's consent does not incur guilt, and the crown of virginity is promised to martyrs.
- Scene I
The sisters prioritize their purity and faith over marriage, refusing to deny Christ to wed court nobles.
