Preposterous Poetics: The Politics and Aesthetics of Form in Late Antiquity

This book explores how literary form changes as Christianity and rabbinic Judaism take shape, and how the impact of literary tradition and the new pressures of religious thinking shape late antiquity. It covers works in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic, and how they contribute to cultural changes in Western Europe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 315 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism brought about significant transformations in the literary forms of the time. This period witnessed a remarkable shift in the artistic expressions and themes prevalent in literature. As these religious movements gained prominence, they exerted a profound influence on the literary traditions of the region. In this essay, we will explore the intricate interplay between literary form and religious thinking, examining how these two forces shaped the development of literature in late antiquity.

The advent of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism marked a pivotal moment in the history of literature. These two religious movements brought with them new perspectives, values, and beliefs that profoundly impacted the literary creations of the time. One of the most significant ways in which these religions influenced literature was through the development of new genres and styles.

Christianity, in particular, introduced a wealth of new literary forms and genres. The Gospels, for instance, were written in a narrative style that was highly influenced by the oral traditions of the Jewish people. The epistles of Paul, on the other hand, were written in a more formal and academic manner, reflecting the influence of Greek philosophy and rhetoric. The Apocalypse, written by John of Patmos, was a visionary work that fused elements of prophecy, symbolism, and apocalyptic imagery.

Rabbinic Judaism, too, had its own literary traditions. The Talmud, for example, was a collection of legal texts and ethical teachings that were written in a highly structured and analytical manner. The Midrash, a collection of rabbinic interpretations and allegories, was another important literary genre that explored the religious texts in a creative and imaginative way.

In addition to the development of new genres and styles, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism also brought about a shift in the themes and subjects of literature. The Gospels, for instance, focused on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his compassion, forgiveness, and love. The epistles of Paul, on the other hand, addressed a wide range of issues, including the nature of God, the role of the church, and the importance of living a moral life.

The Talmud, too, explored a wide range of religious and ethical topics, including the nature of God, the Ten Commandments, and the laws of Moses. The Midrash, in particular, focused on the mystical and symbolic aspects of the Jewish faith, exploring the relationship between God and the human soul and the significance of the Torah.

Another significant impact of the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism on literature was the development of new forms of expression and communication. The spread of literacy and the invention of printing technology allowed for the wider dissemination of literature and the development of a more diverse literary audience. This, in turn, led to the emergence of new forms of literature, such as the novel, the drama, and the essay.

Furthermore, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism also brought about a renewed interest in the study of ancient literature and culture. The rise

The emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism brought about significant transformations in the literary forms of the time. This period witnessed a remarkable shift in the artistic expressions and themes prevalent in literature. As these religious movements gained prominence, they exerted a profound influence on the literary traditions of the region. In this essay, we will explore the intricate interplay between literary form and religious thinking, examining how these two forces shaped the development of literature in late antiquity.

The advent of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism marked a pivotal moment in the history of literature. These two religious movements brought with them new perspectives, values, and beliefs that profoundly impacted the literary creations of the time. One of the most significant ways in which these religions influenced literature was through the development of new genres and styles.

Christianity, in particular, introduced a wealth of new literary forms and genres. The Gospels, for instance, were written in a narrative style that was highly influenced by the oral traditions of the Jewish people. The epistles of Paul, on the other hand, were written in a more formal and academic manner, reflecting the influence of Greek philosophy and rhetoric. The Apocalypse, written by John of Patmos, was a visionary work that fused elements of prophecy, symbolism, and apocalyptic imagery.

Rabbinic Judaism, too, had its own literary traditions. The Talmud, for example, was a collection of legal texts and ethical teachings that were written in a highly structured and analytical manner. The Midrash, a collection of rabbinic interpretations and allegories, was another important literary genre that explored the religious texts in a creative and imaginative way.

In addition to the development of new genres and styles, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism also brought about a shift in the themes and subjects of literature. The Gospels, for instance, focused on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his compassion, forgiveness, and love. The epistles of Paul, on the other hand, addressed a wide range of issues, including the nature of God, the role of the church, and the importance of living a moral life.

The Talmud, too, explored a wide range of religious and ethical topics, including the nature of God, the Ten Commandments, and the laws of Moses. The Midrash, in particular, focused on the mystical and symbolic aspects of the Jewish faith, exploring the relationship between God and the human soul and the significance of the Torah.

Another significant impact of the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism on literature was the development of new forms of expression and communication. The spread of literacy and the invention of printing technology allowed for the wider dissemination of literature and the development of a more diverse literary audience. This, in turn, led to the emergence of new forms of literature, such as the novel, the drama, and the essay.

Furthermore, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism also brought about a renewed interest in the study of ancient literature and culture. The rediscovery of ancient texts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Hebrew Bible, and the Greek New Testament, provided new insights into the religious and cultural beliefs of the time and influenced the development of new literary forms and styles.

In conclusion, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism brought about significant transformations in the literary forms of the time. These two religious movements brought with them new perspectives, values, and beliefs that profoundly

profoundly impacted the literary creations of the time. Through the development of new genres and styles, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism brought about a shift in the themes and subjects of literature. The Gospels, for instance, focused on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his compassion, forgiveness, and love. The epistles of Paul, on the other hand, addressed a wide range of issues, including the nature of God, the role of the church, and the importance of living a moral life. The Talmud, too, explored a wide range of religious and ethical topics, including the nature of God, the Ten Commandments, and the laws of Moses. The Midrash, in particular, focused on the mystical and symbolic aspects of the Jewish faith, exploring the relationship between God and the human soul and the significance of the Torah.

In addition to the development of new genres and styles, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism also brought about a shift in the themes and subjects of literature. The spread of literacy and the invention of printing technology allowed for the wider dissemination of literature and the development of a more diverse literary audience. This, in turn, led to the emergence of new forms of literature, such as the novel, the drama, and the essay.

Furthermore, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism also brought about a renewed interest in the study of ancient literature and culture. The rediscovery of ancient texts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Hebrew Bible, and the Greek New Testament, provided new insights into the religious and cultural beliefs of the time and influenced the development of new literary forms and styles.

In conclusion, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism brought about significant transformations in the literary forms of the time. These two religious movements brought with them new perspectives, values, and beliefs that profoundly impacted the literary creations of the time. Through the development of new genres and styles, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism brought about a shift in the themes and subjects of literature. The Gospels, for instance, focused on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his compassion, forgiveness, and love. The epistles of Paul, on the other hand, addressed a wide range of issues, including the nature of God, the role of the church, and the importance of living a moral life. The Talmud, too, explored a wide range of religious and ethical topics, including the nature of God, the Ten Commandments, and the laws of Moses. The Midrash, in particular, focused on the mystical and symbolic aspects of the Jewish faith, exploring the relationship between God and the human soul and the significance of the Torah.

In addition to the development of new genres and styles, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism also brought about a shift in the themes and subjects of literature. The spread of literacy and the invention of printing technology allowed for the wider dissemination of literature and the development of a more diverse literary audience. This, in turn, led to the emergence of new forms of literature, such as the novel, the drama, and the essay.

Furthermore, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism also brought about a renewed interest in the study of ancient literature and culture. The rediscovery of ancient texts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Hebrew Bible, and the Greek New Testament, provided new insights into the religious and cultural beliefs of the time and influenced the development of new literary forms and styles.

In conclusion, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism brought about significant transformations in the literary forms of the time. These two religious movements brought with them new perspectives, values, and beliefs that profoundly impacted the literary creations of the time. Through the development of new genres and styles, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism brought about a shift in the themes and subjects of literature. The Gospels, for instance, focused on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his compassion, forgiveness, and love. The epistles of Paul, on the other hand, addressed a wide range of issues, including the nature of God, the role of the church, and the importance of living a moral life. The Talmud, too, explored a wide range of religious and ethical topics, including the nature of God, the Ten Commandments, and the laws of Moses. The Midrash, in particular, focused on the mystical and symbolic aspects of the Jewish faith, exploring the relationship between God and the human soul and the significance of the Torah.

In addition to the development of new genres and styles, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism also brought about a shift in the themes and subjects of literature. The spread of literacy and the invention of printing technology allowed for the wider dissemination of literature and the development of a more diverse literary audience. This, in turn, led to the emergence of new forms of literature, such as the novel, the drama, and the essay.

Furthermore, the emergence of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism also brought about a renewed interest in the study of ancient literature and culture. The rediscovery of ancient texts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Hebrew Bible, and the Greek New Testament, provided new insights into the religious and cultural beliefs of the time and influenced the development of new literary forms and styles.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108494823