This book discusses the use of drama as an intertext in the work of the 2nd century Latin author Apuleius, who wrote the only complete extant Latin novel, the Metamorphoses, in which a young man is ...turned into a donkey by magic. Apuleius uses drama, especially comedy, as a basic underlying texture, and invites his readers to use their knowledge of contemporary drama in interpreting the fate of his protagonist and the often comic or tragic situations in which he finds himself. This book employs a close study of the Latin text and detailed comparison with the corpus of dramatic texts from antiquity, as well as discussion of stock features of ancient drama, especially of comedy, in order to explain some features of the novel which have so far baffled Apuleian scholarship, including the enigmatic ending. All Latin and Greek has been translated into English.
Apuleius’ tale of Cupid and Psyche is shown to feature detailed knowledge of ancient magic integrated into the plot, especially the magic of the so-called ‘Sword of Dardanus’ spell and of other ...papyri with Middle Platonic content. A recently published gemstone from Perugia testifies to the wide distribution of the ‘Sword’. Apuleius’ allusion to the erotic spell involves both Cupid and Venus torturing Psyche. Although Venus’ intentions are to prevent the bond between the lovers, her actions inadvertently echo those depicted in the ‘Sword’ and contribute to the couple's eternal union. Ancient magic is therefore shown to be potent and effective, despite Venus’ plans. This is a methodology Apuleius is known to use widely, for example in his obvious allusions to, and adaptations of, Hellenistic poetry in the story. Magic joins poetry and philosophy as a category of texts shown to be playfully integrated into Apuleius’ construction of the plot of Cupid and Psyche.
This volume collects thirteen papers (plus Foreword, Preface and Introduction) originating from a multi-disciplinary conference at Oberlin College in May 2010 on how the North-African Apuleius may ...have negotiated any conflicts between his Roman, Greek-acculturated and African identities.
APULEIUS’ APOLOGY May, Regine
The Classical Review,
04/2004, Letnik:
54, Številka:
1
Journal Article, Book Review
Recenzirano
"Apuleius: de Magia. Eingeleitet, ubersetzt und mit interpretierenden Essays versehen" by J. Hammerstaedt, P. Habermehl, F. Lamberti, A.M. Ritter and P.Schenk is part of a series which aims to place ...in their socio-historical context texts of late antiquity relevant for ethical and religious questions. It concentrates on the interdisciplinary approach to the background of Apuleius's "Apologia sive De Magia".
APULEIUS May, Regine
The Classical Review,
03/2002, Letnik:
52, Številka:
1
Journal Article, Book Review
Recenzirano
"Apuleio: storia del testo e interpretazioni", edited by G. Magnaldi and G. F. Gianotti, falls into two main parts: six essays deal with the history of the text of Apuleius' works, four concentrate ...on various literary and philosophical aspects. The editors express the hope that the volume holds together by clarifying some textual problems as well as offering the possibility of a unifying interpretation of Apuleius' works, but despite having some useful articles, overall the volume lacks a unifying theme.
Signs & Portents May, Regine
The Classical Review,
10/2001, Letnik:
51, Številka:
2
Journal Article, Book Review
Recenzirano
Giving the first general account of ancient approaches to comparative semiotics and aesthetics, Michael Franz's "Von Gorgias bis Lukrez: Antike Aesthetik und Poetik als vergleichende Zeichentheorie" ...deals with all the arts relevant to forming Greek aesthetics, in both literature and art history, from the Presocratics to the Stoa, namely poetry, sculpture, painting and music. More focused on its actual topic and stripped of some mistakes, this book would give an even more useful and rewarding discussion of an obviously worthwhile theoretical approach. (Quotes from original text)
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