This study of the Shewings of Julian of Norwich explores the nature of the medieval anchoress’ “universalism.” It places the literary forms she used to contruct her text within the framework of medieval rhetorical theory. It does so in order to lay bear the fundamental dynamic of the text. She is not interested in providing our intellects a theodicy by which to fit all of the units of existence within a universal conceptual frame. Rather, she is interested in providing just that basis of plausibility which can ground and so enable hope’s characteristic motion. And Christian hope as she shows is universal in its extension even as graced will is measureless.
