Claims of Poverty

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Focusing on the ideological crisis surrounding poverty in late medieval England, Kate Crassons analyzes various literary works, including Piers Plowman and The Book of Margery Kempe. She highlights the dual nature of poverty as both a sacred imitation of Christ and a social stigma, revealing how these texts influenced cultural discussions about poverty's role in society. By examining the ethical implications of interpreting signs of need, Crassons argues that medieval literature shaped societal perceptions of poverty, impacting concepts of community, sanctity, and justice.