The story of Margery Kempe was an interesting one. She seemed like a very strong woman; traveling on her own from England to Jerusalem with help from men at some points. During this time period it is a very strong and wild story. Women did not hold jobs during this period let alone travel from Europe to the Middle East. Margery has a story of inspiration, but once she becomes enlightened her life seems to decay. She communicates with Jesus, Mary and God himself throughout the tales of her travels and they promise to protect her. Her arrival in Jerusalem and her communion on the holy site of Mount of Calvary are very important. She might be the first woman to experience something like this and she creates herself in the image of God. Her journey shows in the importance of women in religion is just as magnified as man's role. Her journey reminds me of Joan of Arc who relayed God's message to the French and led them to victory.
After Margery Kempe communicates with celestial beings she seems to become overwhelmed she sobs everyday. How the story unfolds it seems that these 'sobbings' are a gift from Jesus, but I don't see how this is a gift. Kempe has been forgiven of her sins so her further travels into Rome and Venice are continuations of enlightenment. She has God guiding and protecting her so she has little fear. She encounters many people and cultures along her journey and they aid her on her return back home.
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