The Book of Margery Kempe Freedom and Confinement Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Page)

Quote #4

"As for her weeping, it is not in my power to restrain it, for it is the gift of the Holy Ghost. As for her talking, I will ask her to stop until she comes somewhere that people will hear her more gladly than you do." (I.27.100)

The Papal Legate learns that Kempe's companions to Jerusalem have been punishing her for speaking about God—and, of course, for weeping. The company expects him to agree with their actions, but he surprises them by approving of Kempe's behavior and refusing to restrict her desire to speak of good things. Kempe's encounters with the clergy are certainly a mixed bag, but she's careful to include positive moments like this to show that she has influential supporters.

Quote #5

Then the gaoler took her into his custody, and led her home to his own house and put her into a fine room, locking the door with a key, and ordering his wife to keep the key safe. Nevertheless, he let her go to church when she wished, and let her eat at his own table [...]. (I.46.150)

Here, Kempe is arrested in Leicester on her way home from pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. It's a serious situation, since people are calling her a heretic and asking for her to be burned. But it turns out that even the jailer responsible for her confinement isn't willing to treat her unjustly. Kempe is anxious to show us that there is goodness and justice in the most desperate situations.

Quote #6

"Sir," she said, "I am not afraid to go to prison for my Lord's love, who suffered much more for my love than I may for his." (I.47.151)

Although she's in grave danger—this particular group of clerics would like her charged with heresy, which is punishable by death at the stake—Kempe appears calm and collected. The idea of confinement as a result of her religious beliefs appeals to her, since it is close to martyrdom. And martyrdom is totally okay with her because it's a guaranteed pass to heaven, which is a kind of eternal freedom for Kempe.