The Chaonian dove : studies in the Eclogues, Georgics, and Aeneid of Virgil / by A.J. Boyle.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Boyle, A. J. (Anthony James)

Series:

Mnemosyne, Supplements 94.

Mnemosyne, bibliotheca classica Batava. Supplementum ; 94

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Virgil--Criticism and interpretation.

Virgil.

Aeneas (Legendary character)--In literature.

Aeneas.

Aeneas (Legendary character).

Pastoral poetry, Latin--History and criticism.

Pastoral poetry, Latin.

Agriculture in literature.

Didactic poetry, Latin.

Epic poetry, Latin.

Literature.

Rome--In literature.

Rome.

Rome (Empire).

Genre:

Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (x, 196 pages).

Place of Publication:

Leiden : E.J. Brill, 1986.

Summary:

This is the first book-length critical study of the three Virgilian works to be published in English for twenty years. It examines in detail the thematic design and intent of the Eclogues, Georgics and Aeneid , and documents the development of their political, moral and poetic pessimism. It presents the interrelationship of the three texts, their intertextuality, as integral to their meaning. The book is in three main parts - 'Pastoral Meditation', 'Didactic Paradox', 'Epic Vision' - corresponding to the three Virgilian works. A brief introductory chapter is concerned with questions of method and the problem of Virgil misread. A chief focus of the book is Virgil's preoccupation with the relationship between poetry, art - art's values, perceptions, visions - and the political/historical world, and the changing nature of Virgil's attitude to the socio-moral responsibilities of Rome. The evolution of Vergil's presentation both of Roman imperium and of man's place in nature and history is carefully delineated. With close scrutiny of the language, imagery, structures and design of the three texts and of their verbal and thematic interrelationship, the book offers a substantial reassessment of the major political, psychological and moral ideas of Virgil's poetic oeuvre . An intricate and persuasive picture emerges of Virgil's intellectual and poetic development and a radically new conception of Virgil's image of himself as poet. The provision of translations makes the book accessible to the Latinless reader.

Contents:

Preliminary Material

Introduction: The Failed Text

Pastoral Meditation: The Eclogues

Didactic Paradox: The Georgics

Epic Vision: The Aeneid (l)

Epic Vision: The Aeneid (2)

The Historical Background

List of Modern Works Cited

General Index

Index Locorum.

Notes:

Includes indexes.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 180-183).

ISBN:

90-04-32829-7

Publisher Number:

10.1163/9789004328297 DOI