Spiritual and Medical Dimensions of the Language of Memory in Middle English Texts

This article examines the multifaceted understanding of memory in Middle English texts, exploring its medical and spiritual dimensions. Drawing on a corpus of Middle English texts from diverse genres, the study highlights the transition from early Anglo-Saxon cardiocentric models of memory to late medieval cephalocentric perspectives, influenced by Galenic and Aristotelian theories. Simultaneously, the study explores the enduring influence of early Christian teachings, emphasizing memory as a moral and devotional exercise vital to spiritual life. By investigating the use of key terms like memorie, remembraunce, and mynde, alongside their collocations and metaphorical contexts, the article illustrates how memory was conceptualized as both a physical process and a spiritual act. The findings reveal that Middle English memory language embodies a dichotomous understanding, where medical and theological paradigms converge, positioning memory as central to health, moral conduct, and the soul’s connection to the divine. This analysis provides insights into the broader cultural, linguistic, and intellectual landscape of post-Conquest England.