Viewing Disability in Medieval Spanish Texts

Connie L. Scarborough is Professor in the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures at Texas Tech University and Co-Director of the Program in Medieval and Renaissance Studies. Her most recent book, Inscribing the Environment, applies theories of ecocriticism to Medieval Spanish Text.

• Introduction: Disability Theory and Pre-Modern Considerations Disability Theories: Definitions and Limitations Adopting Disability Studies for the Pre-Modern Era The Role of the Church and Christian Beliefs Disability Studies and Literary Texts Goals and Organization Chapter 1: Lameness — Los Contrechos Definitions and Theories Legal Status Historical and Pseudo-Scientific Accounts Work and Occupational Hazards Mobility Devices Divine Punishment Ridicule and Example The Monstrous Chapter 2: Blindness — Los Ciegos Medieval Concepts of Sight Causes for Loss of Sight Religious Beliefs Begging and Charity Blinding as Judicial Punishment Blinding as Divine Punishment Self-Blinding Comic Potential Chapter 3: Deaf and Inability to Speak — Los Sordomudos Deaf vs. deaf Legal Status Cures (?) Popular Refrains and Wisdom Literatures Spiritual Autobiography/Pathography/Consolation Loss of Speech Chapter 4: Leprosy — Los Gafos Medical Knowledge Segregation (?) The Leper as Metaphor Leprosy as Divine Punishment Leper as Holy Messenger Leper as Figure in Religious History Leprosy and 'Tests of Friendship' Chapter 5: Cured by the Grace of Gods — Los Milagros The Medieval Concept of Miracle Miracle Accounts Missing Limbs Lameness and Paralysis Multiple Impairments Blindness Deafness and Inability to Speak Leprosy Interdependence of Disability and Divine Cure Chapter 6: Conclusions Works Cited — Primary Sources Works Cited — Secondary Sources.