Secrets of divine wisdom : the use of the figura and exemplum in medieval epistemology

213 Pages·2001·6.918 MB·English

by  Larry Eugene Hunt

INFORMATION TO USERS
This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films
the text cfirectty from the ohginaJ or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and
dissertation copies are in typewriter face, whfe others may be from any type of
computer printer.
The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the
copy submitted. Broken or rristinct print colored or poor quafity lustrations
and photographs, print bieedthrough, substandard margins, and improper
afignment can adversely affect reproduction.
In the unfikely event that the author rfid not send UMi a complete manuscript
and there are missing pages, these wiB be noted. Also, if unauthorized
copyright material had to be removed, a note wffl indicate the deletion.
Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, chats) are reproduced by
sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing
from left to right in equal sections with smal overlaps.
Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced
xerographicaly in this copy. Higher quafity 6“ x 9’ black and white
photographic prints are avakabie for any photographs or ilustrations appearing
in this copy for an addfionai charge. Contact UMI directty to order.
ProQuest Information and Learning
300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 46106-1346 USA
800-521-0600
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
SECRETS OF DIVINE WISDOM: THE uSE OF THE FIGURA AND
EXEMPLUM IN MEDIEVAL EPISTEMOLOGY
by
LARRY EUGENE HUNT
A.B., The University of Georgia, 1993
M.A., The University of Georgia, 1996
A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of The
University of Georgia in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
ATHENS, GEORGIA
2001
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
UMI Number 3025313
UMI’
UMI Microform 3025313
Copyright 2001 by Befl & Howell Information aid Leanng Company.
Ail rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against
unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code.
Beil & Howell Information and Learning Company
300 North Zeeb Road
P.O. Box 1346
Ann Arbor. Ml 48106-1346
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
© 2001
Larry Eugene Hunt
All Rights Reserved
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
LARRY EUGENE HUNT
Secrets of Divine Wisdom: The Use of the Figura and
Exemplum in Medieval Epistemolcgy
(Under the Direction of KATHARINA WILSON)
The use of exemplary story-telling and figural
interpretation characterizes a large portion of medieval
literature and can provide a great deal of insight for
those interested in understanding medieval conceptions of
myth-making and its relationship to an individual's
experience of reality. This dissertation will be on
examines these two devices as they illuminate the common
theme of wisdom and epistemology in the writings of
Boethius, King Alfred, Geoffrey Chaucer, St. Bonaventure,
and Wolfram von Eschenbach. In some instances, these
authors rely principally upon the device of exemplary
storytelling. Besides examining specific uses of the
devices, this study outlines the individual traditions of
both exempla and figurae as they have existed in the West,
tracing their cultural and literary roots from biblical
sources to the writings of early church fathers such as
Tertullian and Augustine. In the context of these earlier
traditions, it is possible to interpret the medieval use of
exempla and figurae as reflecting a prevalent construct of
wisdom that urged one net only to see oneself as a
meaningful participant in the constantly unfolding
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
escnatology of God, but also to establish a precedent upon
which to model oneself in fulfilling that participation.
INDEX WORDS: figura, guest exemplum, spiritual wisdom
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
To my mom and dad for their constant affection, support,
and encouragement. I love you.
And to Katja Wilson
"Thou art my master and my author— from whom I took the
style whose beauty has done me honor."
-Dante to Virgil
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
TABUS OF CONTENTS
Page
LIST OF FIGURES.......................................... vi
CHAPTER
1 INTRODUCTION...................................... 1
2 THE FIGURA........................................ 5
3 THE EXEMPLUM...................................... 34
4 WISDOM............................................ 53
5 BOETHIUS........................................... 7 9
6 ALFRED............................................ 105
7 CHAUCER........................................... 129
8 BONAVENTURE....................................... 153
9 WOLFRAM VON ESCHENBACH........................... 169
10 CONCLUSION....................................... 194
BIBLIOGRAPHY.............................................. 199
v
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.