Essay Questions

Given the historical context of the poem, what makes "Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum" so noteworthy?

Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum was published in 1611. During this time, women were greatly oppressed, and their rights were diminished. These rights included the right to contribute to the literary world by publishing literary works. In other words, women during this historical era simply did not publish massive and critically-acclaimed works of literature because their right to do so was greatly infringed upon by the greater society. As a result, Aemilia Lanyer’s lengthy piece of literature was an incredibly groundbreaking feat. In the face of oppression and societal limits, Layner managed to not only publish a magnificent work of literature, but also managed to advocate for increased women’s rights along the way. Therefore, this work of literature is noteworthy because no other women had succeeded in publishing a religious work of this capacity and caliber.

How does author Aemilia Lanyer’s female perspective shine through in this poem?

When she published this groundbreaking work of literature, Lanyer was also making a statement about the capabilities of women. This same idea is very apparent throughout "Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum.” Whilst discussing Adam and Eve, for example, Lanyer offers a unique female perspective on Eve’s mistake of eating the forbidden fruit. She suggests that Eve did not eat the fruit out of stupidity, but rather out of love for Adam. Likewise, Lanyer’s female perspective allows her to analyze Christ’s death and crucifixion in a very interesting and intelligent way. For example, Lanyer depicts part of the poem from the perspective of Pilate’s wife. This woman—who is often overlooked in the Bible—attempted to dissuade her husband for putting Jesus to death. In short, Lanyer’s female perspective is very clear in this poem, especially when it is considered that this entire reading of Christ’s birth, life, and death is intended to double as a plea for increased women’s rights and equality.

Why do you think Lanyer chooses to depict God as a thunderous, malevolent eternal ruler?

Throughout the entirety of this massive poem, author Aemilia Lanyer juxtaposes two very opposing characterizations of Jesus Christ and God. Though Christ is described as the most supreme embodiment of humanity—of all that is good, wholesome, and holy—God is portrayed as a thunderous leader, who has the potential to destroy all of humanity without a second thought. In this way, Lanyer aims to point out how God was actually very benevolent in his sending of Jesus Christ. As the author points out, Christ was sent to us to redeem us of and save us from our own sinful nature; it is in Christ’s death that our sins are forgiven. Therefore, though God has the incredible potential to destroy all of humanity within an instant, he instead chose to save all of humanity by sending us Jesus Christ. As a result, these opposing and juxtaposed characterizations of God and Jesus Christ point out that—though Christ was sent here to save our sinful souls—God is still the one true ruler of all humanity. And, just as he has the power to send us a savior, he also has the power to undo all of creation.