Pain, Speech and Silence in Prudentius "Peristephanon" 5 and 9
This article explores the relationship between pain, speech and power in Prudentius' Peristephanon. Two poems are selected for a focused analysis: Perist. 5 in which the martyr speaks at length, engaging in a rhetorical contest with his persecutor, and Perist. 9 where the martyr speaks briefly...
| Published in: | Vigiliae Christianae |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Brill
[2020]
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| In: |
Vigiliae Christianae
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| IxTheo Classification: | CB Christian life; spirituality CD Christianity and Culture KAB Church history 30-500; early Christianity |
| Further subjects: | B
Pain
B Martyrs B Speech B Prudentius B Power |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (Resolving-System) Volltext (doi) |
| Summary: | This article explores the relationship between pain, speech and power in Prudentius' Peristephanon. Two poems are selected for a focused analysis: Perist. 5 in which the martyr speaks at length, engaging in a rhetorical contest with his persecutor, and Perist. 9 where the martyr speaks briefly once to encourage his tormentors. By analysing these poems and comparing them with other poems in the Peristephanon, the article shows how martyrs can use speech to transcend pain and transfer suffering to their persecutors but also how silence can be as effective a weapon in their power struggle. Attention is also given to the role which the poet-narrator plays in both poems and the ways in which Prudentius employs his own narrative voice when his martyrs either cannot or do not wish to speak for themselves. |
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| ISSN: | 1570-0720 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Vigiliae Christianae
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1163/15700720-12341401 |