Analysis Of Pope Joan By Donna Woolfolk Cross

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Donna Woolfolk Cross presents her novel, Pope Joan, in a time in which people remain trapped in a fixed traditional belief system, and uses Joan´s priesthood to reveal the dangers that come from looking beyond it. For instance, while completing her duties at the monastery, Joan realizes that diseases could be transmitted by physical contact, and departs from custom by dipping a piece of bread in wine. This infuriated Abbot Raban, the archbishop, who confronted Joan about her actions with grim disapproval. While trying to deliver an explanation about why she broke tradition, Abbot Raban cut her off by telling her, ¨Such observations are useless, for they come not from faith but from physical senses, which are not to be trusted¨ (229). As can