Routledge - Representing Judith in Early Modern French Literature

Explore the literary legacy of the Book of Judith through this groundbreaking study by Kathleen Llewellyn. While interest in the biblical heroine has grown, this work stands as the first full-length analysis dedicated to how the Old Testament Book of Judith was adapted across various French literary genres during the early modern period. This scholarly investigation examines how Judith was represented in early modern sermons and specific texts from four significant writers. By analyzing theatrical dramas such as Le Mystere de Judith et Holofernes (c. 1500), attributed to Jean Molinet, and Le Miroir des vefves, Llewellyn provides a deep look at how gender and identity were shaped in French literature. This book is an essential resource for students and researchers interested in the history of French literature, religious adaptations, and the evolution of women and gender studies in the early modern world. It offers a detailed examination of how religious narratives were transformed into diverse literary forms.