Secrets of divine wisdom : the use of the figura and exemplum in medieval epistemology PDF
Preview Secrets of divine wisdom : the use of the figura and exemplum in medieval epistemology
INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films the text cfirectty from the ohginaJ or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, whfe others may be from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or rristinct print colored or poor quafity lustrations and photographs, print bieedthrough, substandard margins, and improper afignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unfikely event that the author rfid not send UMi a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these wiB be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note wffl indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, chats) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with smal overlaps. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographicaly in this copy. Higher quafity 6“ x 9’ black and white photographic prints are avakabie for any photographs or ilustrations appearing in this copy for an addfionai charge. Contact UMI directty to order. ProQuest Information and Learning 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 46106-1346 USA 800-521-0600 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. SECRETS OF DIVINE WISDOM: THE uSE OF THE FIGURA AND EXEMPLUM IN MEDIEVAL EPISTEMOLOGY by LARRY EUGENE HUNT A.B., The University of Georgia, 1993 M.A., The University of Georgia, 1996 A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of The University of Georgia in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY ATHENS, GEORGIA 2001 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. UMI Number 3025313 UMI’ UMI Microform 3025313 Copyright 2001 by Befl & Howell Information aid Leanng Company. Ail rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. Beil & Howell Information and Learning Company 300 North Zeeb Road P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor. Ml 48106-1346 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. © 2001 Larry Eugene Hunt All Rights Reserved Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. LARRY EUGENE HUNT Secrets of Divine Wisdom: The Use of the Figura and Exemplum in Medieval Epistemolcgy (Under the Direction of KATHARINA WILSON) The use of exemplary story-telling and figural interpretation characterizes a large portion of medieval literature and can provide a great deal of insight for those interested in understanding medieval conceptions of myth-making and its relationship to an individual's experience of reality. This dissertation will be on examines these two devices as they illuminate the common theme of wisdom and epistemology in the writings of Boethius, King Alfred, Geoffrey Chaucer, St. Bonaventure, and Wolfram von Eschenbach. In some instances, these authors rely principally upon the device of exemplary storytelling. Besides examining specific uses of the devices, this study outlines the individual traditions of both exempla and figurae as they have existed in the West, tracing their cultural and literary roots from biblical sources to the writings of early church fathers such as Tertullian and Augustine. In the context of these earlier traditions, it is possible to interpret the medieval use of exempla and figurae as reflecting a prevalent construct of wisdom that urged one net only to see oneself as a meaningful participant in the constantly unfolding Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. escnatology of God, but also to establish a precedent upon which to model oneself in fulfilling that participation. INDEX WORDS: figura, guest exemplum, spiritual wisdom Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. To my mom and dad for their constant affection, support, and encouragement. I love you. And to Katja Wilson "Thou art my master and my author— from whom I took the style whose beauty has done me honor." -Dante to Virgil Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. TABUS OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF FIGURES.......................................... vi CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION...................................... 1 2 THE FIGURA........................................ 5 3 THE EXEMPLUM...................................... 34 4 WISDOM............................................ 53 5 BOETHIUS........................................... 7 9 6 ALFRED............................................ 105 7 CHAUCER........................................... 129 8 BONAVENTURE....................................... 153 9 WOLFRAM VON ESCHENBACH........................... 169 10 CONCLUSION....................................... 194 BIBLIOGRAPHY.............................................. 199 v Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
The list of books you might like
