Ekphrasis, Imagination and Persuasion in Ancient Rhetorical Theory and Practice - Couverture rigide

Webb, Ruth

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0754661253 ISBN 13 : 9780754661252

Editeur : Routledge, 2009

Synopsis

Ekphrasis, Imagination and Persuasion in Ancient Rhetorical Theory and Practice A study of ekphrasis, the art of making listeners and readers 'see' in their imagination through words alone, as taught in ancient rhetorical schools and as used by Greek writers of the Imperial period (2nd-6th centuries CE). It brings out the persuasive and emotive function of vivid language in the literature of the period. Full description

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur :

This is a study of ekphrasis, the art of making listeners and readers 'see' in their imagination through words alone, as taught in ancient rhetorical schools and as used by Greek writers of the Imperial period (2nd-6th centuries CE). The author places the practice of ekphrasis within its cultural context, emphasizing the importance of the visual imagination in ancient responses to rhetoric, poetry and historiography. By linking the theoretical writings on ekphrasis with ancient theories of imagination, emotion and language, she brings out the persuasive and emotive function of vivid language in the literature of the period. This study also addresses the contrast between the ancient and the modern definitions of the term ekphrasis, underlining the different concepts of language, literature and reader response that distinguish the ancient from the modern approach. In order to explain the ancient understanding of ekphrasis and its place within the larger system of rhetorical training, the study includes a full analysis of the ancient technical sources (rhetorical handbooks, commentaries) which aims to make these accessible to non-specialists. The concluding chapter moves away from rhetorical theory to consider the problems and challenges involved in 'turning listeners into spectators' with a particular focus on the role of ekphrasis within ancient fiction. Attention is also paid to texts that lie at the intersection of the modern and ancient definitions of ekphrasis, such as Philostratos' Imagines and the many ekphraseis of buildings and monuments to be found in Late Antique literature.

Biographie de l'auteur :

Ruth Webb is Professor of Greek at the University of Lille, France.

À propos de cette édition

• Éditeur: Routledge
• Date d'édition: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0754661253
• ISBN 13: 9780754661252
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 252