Intertextuality in Seneca's Philosophical Writings

This volume is the first systematic study of Senecas interaction with earlier literature of a variety of genres and traditions. It examines this interaction and engagement in his prose works, offering interpretative readings that are at once groundbreaking and stimulating to further study. The studies analyze the philosophy behind Senecas incorporating exact quotations from earlier tradition and Senecas interaction with ideas, trends, and techniques from different sources, in order to elucidate his philosophical ideas and underscore his original contribution to the discussion of established philosophical traditions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume is the first systematic exploration of Seneca's intricate relationship with a diverse array of literary genres and traditions. It delves into this interaction and engagement, offering interpretive readings that are both groundbreaking and thought-provoking, encouraging further scholarly investigation.

Focusing on key works such as the Dialogues, the Naturales quaestiones, and the Moral Epistles, the volume encompasses multi-perspectival studies of Seneca's engagement with all the great Latin epics, including Lucretius, Vergil, and Ovid. It also explores how Seneca's philosophical ideas are shaped by Hellenistic doxography, forensic rhetoric, declamation, the Homeric tradition, Euripidean tragedy, and Greco-Roman mythology.

The studies analyze the philosophical underpinnings of Seneca's incorporation of precise quotations from earlier traditions, as well as his interaction with ideas, trends, and techniques from various sources. This analysis aims to elucidate Seneca's philosophical ideas and highlight his unique contributions to the ongoing discussion of established philosophical traditions. Furthermore, the studies offer a fresh interpretation of moral issues, particularly with regard to the Roman worldview as shaped by the mos maiorum.

The volume concludes with a detailed discussion of Seneca's stance towards poetics and his self-presentation as a poet. It sheds light on how Seneca navigates the boundaries between philosophical prose and poetic expression, contributing to the rich tapestry of intertextuality in ancient Latin literature.

Intertextuality in Senecas Philosophical Writings will appeal to scholars and researchers working on Seneca's philosophical works, as well as those interested in Latin literature and intertextuality in the ancient world. It provides a valuable resource for understanding the complex interplay between philosophy, literature, and cultural contexts, offering insights into the enduring legacy of Seneca's thought.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032474656