Emotions of Amazement in Old English Hagiography: AElfric's approach to Wonder, Awe and the Sublime

This monograph explores three aesthetic emotions in Ælfrics Lives of Saints, combining Cognitive Sciences and other studies to identify preferred modes of expression that reveal emotional rules in the hagiographical genre. It highlights the emotion family of amazement as central to the genre and emphasizes emotion-regulation scripts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Peter Lang AG

This comprehensive monograph delves into the examination of three aesthetic emotions within the context of Ælfrics Lives of Saints. By leveraging recent advancements in the study of emotional communities, this research integrates methodologies from Cognitive Sciences and various other fields focused on early Medieval English language and literature. Its primary objective is to investigate Ælfrics' utilization of the terms associated with amazement within the lexical domain. Through a meticulous analysis of his usage and portrayal of emotion dynamics in these texts, this monograph reveals how the emotion family of amazement holds a central position within the hagiographical genre. Furthermore, it underscores significant emotion-regulation scripts that operate within these narratives.

The study begins by exploring the historical and cultural backdrop against which Ælfrics' works were produced. It examines the societal norms, religious beliefs, and artistic conventions of the Early Middle Ages, shedding light on the social and emotional context in which the Lives of Saints were written. This contextualization enables a deeper understanding of the emotional nuances and symbolic meanings embedded within Ælfrics' writings.

The monograph then delves into the examination of the three aesthetic emotions: wonder, awe, and amazement. It analyzes how Ælfrics employs these emotions to convey spiritual significance, moral lessons, and emotional resonance. Through a close reading of his texts, the study identifies preferred modes of expression that reveal a series of emotional rules within the context of Ælfrics' emotional community.

Wonder, as one of the aesthetic emotions, is explored in terms of its cognitive and physiological aspects. Ælfrics' portrayal of wonder highlights the cognitive processes involved in perceiving and understanding extraordinary events or phenomena. It examines how wonder triggers physiological reactions such as increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and a sense of awe and reverence. The study also explores the role of wonder in shaping religious beliefs and practices, as it encourages individuals to seek knowledge, explore the unknown, and cultivate a sense of humility and awe before the divine.

Awe, another aesthetic emotion, is examined in terms of its emotional and spiritual dimensions. Ælfrics' portrayal of awe emphasizes the spiritual awe and reverence that individuals feel towards God, saints, and other celestial beings. It explores how awe fosters a sense of humility, submission, and a longing for divine communion. The study also examines the role of awe in shaping moral values and ethical behavior, as it encourages individuals to prioritize the spiritual over the material and to seek transcendence and connection with the divine.

Amazement, the third aesthetic emotion, is explored in terms of its cognitive, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Ælfrics' portrayal of amazement highlights the cognitive processes involved in perceiving and understanding the extraordinary nature of God, saints, and other celestial beings. It examines how amazement triggers emotional responses such as wonder, awe, and reverence. The study also explores the role of amazement in shaping religious beliefs and practices, as it encourages individuals to surrender to the divine, recognize the infinite nature of the universe, and cultivate a sense of humility and awe before the divine.

In addition to examining the individual aesthetic emotions, the monograph also explores the interconnections between these emotions and the broader hagiographical genre. It examines how the emotion family of amazement functions as a central theme in hagiographical narratives, as it allows individuals to encounter the divine, experience spiritual transformation, and develop a deeper understanding of their faith. The study also explores the ways in which amazement is used to regulate emotions, as it provides a framework for individuals to process and cope with the challenges and uncertainties of life.

Furthermore, the monograph discusses the significance of Ælfrics' usage of the terms associated with amazement within the lexical domain. It examines how Ælfrics' choice of words and phrases contributes to the emotional impact and rhetorical effectiveness of his writings. The study analyzes the linguistic devices and stylistic techniques employed by Ælfrics to evoke wonder, awe, and amazement, and how these techniques contribute to the overall aesthetic experience of his texts.

To conclude, this comprehensive monograph offers a profound exploration of the aesthetic emotions of wonder, awe, and amazement in Ælfrics' Lives of Saints. By integrating cognitive sciences, literary studies, and historical analysis, it provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the emotional rules and scripts that operate within the hagiographical genre. Through its analysis of Ælfrics' usage of the terms associated with amazement, the study highlights the central role of the emotion family of amazement in shaping religious beliefs, moral values, and emotional experiences. This monograph contributes to our understanding of the Early Middle Ages, the hagiographical genre, and the complex interplay between emotion, spirituality, and literature.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783631872178
Edition number: New ed