Book 1, Chapter 1

This early passage foreshadows Marie’s struggles with the Catholic Church and its patriarchal structure. She will challenge the vision of this church by taking on the role of priest and by conceiving an alternate vision of god and godliness. The length of the passage, with its parallel clauses, is incantatory like a prayer while also expressing Marie’s frustration with the Church.

Marie’s devotion to Eleanor has a religious tinge at the beginning. She is in love with Eleanor as a woman but also worships her like a god. As Marie grows into her role as prioress and then abbess at the abbey, her faith will become less conventional, and her view of both Eleanor and godliness will change.

This is the schedule of a day at the abbey that the abbess Emme presents to Marie. While Marie will transform much about life at the abbey during her own tenure as abbess, this essential <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/rhythm/">rhythm</a> will not change. Rather, Marie will find more meaning and mystery within the routine.

Book 1, Chapter 2

Book 1, Chapter 3

Book 2

Book 3, Chapter 1

Book 3, Chapter 3

Book 3, Chapter 6

Book 3, Chapter 7

Book 3, Chapter 8

Book 3, Chapter 9

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Matrix, Lauren Groff’s haunting work of historical fiction, depicts the surprisingly complex lives of a community of medieval nuns. 

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