This study explores the somewhat neglected area of dramatic genres of early English religious
lyric and illuminates the functions of dialogue as an instrument of devotion and cognition in
the context of medieval culture. The book focuses on short poems in dialogue form
semi-dialogic prayers and dramatic monologues and alleged dialogic configurations of the
lyrics stressing their potential for performance. Devotional dialogues as between Jesus and
Mary are shown to have the form of mutual begging in accordance with the central medieval
ritual of supplication. Dialogue as heteroglossia provides the basis for readings of selected
prayers from Cædmon to Lydgate highlighting a variety of cultural transactions involved in
addressing heaven. Tracing the ways the poems overcome the limits of language in search of
transcendent communication leads to insights into vernacular poetics and theology inherent in
early English religious verse.
