Description
Book SynopsisThis book investigates the various paraphrastic techniques employed by Nonnus of Panopolis (5th century AD) for his poetic version of the Gospel of John. The authors look at Nonnus’ Paraphrase, the only extant poetic Greek paraphrase of the New Testament, in the light of ancient rhetorical theory while also exploring its multi-faceted relationship with poetic tradition and the theological debates of its era. The study shows how interpretation, cardinal both in ancient literary criticism and in theology, is exploited in a poem that is exegetical both from a philological and a Christian point of view and adheres, at the same time, to the literary principles of Hellenistic times and late antiquity.
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Notes on Contributors I Introduction Laura Franco A An Evanescent Figure B Dates and Chronology C The Dionysiaca D The Paraphrase E Nonnus’ Influence: A Brief Overview F Nonnus’ Paraphrastic Technique: Rhetorical Tradition and Poetic Creativity G Aims of the Present Study II The Rhetorical Background to the Paraphrase in the Light of Ancient Rhetorical Treatises Claudia Greco, except for B.1.a.iii (Claudia Greco, Maria Ypsilanti) A Poetry and Rhetoric B Ancient Rhetorical Treatises and Paraphrastic Technique C Paraphrase as a School Exercise. The Chreia. III Non-amplificatory Paraphrase Introductory Essay: Laura Franco A Literal Paraphrasis Laura Franco, Maria Ypsilanti B Abbreviations and Conflations Laura Franco, Maria Ypsilanti C Sequence and Transpositions Laura Franco IV Amplificatio Introductory Essay: Laura Franco A Periphrasis Maria Ypsilanti B Synonymic Amplificatio and Verbal / Adjectival Accumulation Introductory Essay: Laura Franco C Explanations Maria Ypsilanti, Laura Franco D Imagery with Theological Significance Introductory Essay: Maria Ypsilanti E “Theatrical” Elements: Impressive Visualisation, Description of Scenery, Effects of Sound Introductory Essay: Maria Ypsilanti F Handling of Speech (Direct / Indirect / Dialogue) Introductory Essay: Maria Ypsilanti G Character Sketching: Between Theatricality, Exegesis and Ethopoea Introductory Essay: Maria Ypsilanti H Interpretatio Introductory Essay: Laura Franco V Conclusions Maria Ypsilanti Bibliography Index
