Prophetic Poetry

Women’s prophetic poetry is uniquely bound to the status and identity of its author. Across the early modern period, and from many different religious traditions, the poet’s claim to the status of prophet shapes the way her work appears and is interpreted. It was often dangerous to claim this status, as it assumed a religious authority not otherwise available to women. This entry explores key features of prophetic poetry in the writing of Protestant and Catholic poets, covering the work of Elizabeth Barton, Eleanor Davies, Anna Trapnel, Gertrude More, and Jane Lead. Key features distinguish their work, including use of performance elements such as trance, song and protest, and incorporation of mystical concepts and private visions.