Cleanness

Abstract

Cleanness is a fourteenth‐century poem believed to have written by the Gawain ‐poet. Structured like a sermon, it deals variously with aspects of physical and spiritual filth and “cleanness.” Through three main biblical exempla – Noah and the Flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Belshazzar's feast – the poet also contemplates obedience to God. The poem has, until recently, received minor scholarly attention; new editorial concern and interest in many of the poem's themes, such as sexism and violence, has increased interest in the poem itself.