|
Showing 1 - 1 of
1 matches in All Departments
Book 4 of Lucan's epic contrasts Europe with Africa. At the battle
of Lerida (Spain), a violent storm causes the local rivers to flood
the plain between the two hills where the opposing armies are
camped. Asso's commentary traces Lucan's reminiscences of early
Greek tales of creation, when Chaos held the elements in indistinct
confusion. This primordial broth sets the tone for the whole book.
After the battle, the scene switches to the Adriatic shore of
Illyricum (Albania), and finally to Africa, where the
proto-mythical water of the beginning of the book cedes to the
dryness of the desert. The narrative unfolds against the background
of the War of the Elements. The Spanish deluge is replaced by the
desiccated desolation of Africa. The commentary contrasts the
representations of Rome with Africa and explores the significance
of Africa as a space contaminated by evil, but which remains an
integral part of Rome. Along with Lucan's other geographic and
natural-scientific discussions, Africa's position as a part of the
Roman world is painstakingly supported by astronomic and geographic
erudition in Lucan's blending of scientific and mythological
discourse. The poet is a visionary who supports his truth claims by
means of scientific discourse.
|
You may like...
Loot
Nadine Gordimer
Paperback
(2)
R398
R330
Discovery Miles 3 300
|
Email address subscribed successfully.
A activation email has been sent to you.
Please click the link in that email to activate your subscription.