In my research, I focus on late medieval English religious poetry, vernacular theology, and critical theory. My dissertation explores how penitential lyrics lay bare complex, philosophical issues at the root of penitential thought and practice—in particular, issues related to the repetitious nature of penitence after the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215. I examine not only how these lyrics would have helped late medieval people become contrite, enact confession, and achieve satisfaction in ways that only poetry can, but also, how they help us better grasp these phenomena and their significance today. My dissertation is tentatively titled “Repentance and Repetition: Penitential Poetry in Late Medieval England."