History ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-2022

Abstract

Throughout the high and late Middle Ages, an individual’s social acceptance and well-being were heavily dependent upon fama, or reputation, they cultivated within their communities. Women, especially, constructed and molded their reputations to protect themselves from hardship and social ostracization, allowing them a degree of agency in social situations. In this thesis, I argue that the mindful development of one’s fama was key for women to protect themselves from accusations of witchcraft. Through the lives of Hildegard of Bingen, Elisabeth of Schönau, and Jeanne d’Arc, I demonstrate how medieval reputations were built, the trifold nature it could hold, and the complexities fama held in social and legal history. By exploring the construction of fama, I dispute the simplified role reputation has as mere gossip or rumor; rather, it was a key component in the establishment of social currency and legal protection.

Level of Degree

Masters

Degree Name

History

Department Name

History

First Committee Member (Chair)

Michael A. Ryan

Second Committee Member

Sarah Davis-Secord

Third Committee Member

Timothy Graham

Language

English

Keywords

reputation, fama, witchcraft, magic, visionaries, medieval law

Document Type

Thesis

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