The Return of Proserpina: Cultural Poetics of Sicily from Cicero to Dante

The Return of Proserpina explores how Sicily was used as a setting for forces resistant to empire and a location for displaying and reclaiming what was destroyed, using the myth of Proserpina as a through line. It demonstrates how the shape of Proserpinas tale and perceptions of the island change from a myth of loss to one of redemption, with the volcanic Mt. Etna playing an increasingly central role.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 03 January 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Sicily, a captivating island nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, holds a rich tapestry of historical and cultural significance. Throughout classical and medieval Europe, it has captured the poetic imagination, serving as a mythical backdrop for profound narratives and profound insights into the strategies of empire. In the first century BC, the renowned orator Cicero bestowed upon Sicily the prestigious honor of being Rome's inaugural overseas province, further solidifying its mythical status as the setting for the legendary abduction of Proserpina, known to the Greeks as Persephone. This captivating tale, woven into the fabric of Roman antiquity, has endured through the ages, captivating the hearts and minds of writers and scholars alike.

The Return of Proserpina, a captivating book by Sarah Spence, takes readers on a journey spanning from Roman antiquity to the late Middle Ages. It explores the profound connection between Sicily and the strategies of empire in the poetic imagination of classical and medieval Europe. Through the lens of the myth of Proserpina, Spence charts the intricate relationship between the Western empire and its myths, delving into the complexities of power, loss, and negotiation.

Spence's comprehensive analysis encompasses a diverse range of texts set on the enchanting island of Sicily. She skillfully demonstrates how the myth of Proserpina serves as a powerful framework for discussing empire, offering a nuanced perspective on balance, loss, and the intricate negotiations that shaped the empire's trajectory. By examining the narrative structure of Proserpina's tale and the evolving perceptions of Sicily, Spence unveils how the island evolves from a myth of loss to one of redemption, with the majestic Mt. Etna assuming an increasingly central role in this transformative narrative.

The Return of Proserpina delves into the intricate interplay between myth and geography, shedding light on the profound impact they have on politics and poetics during a period of tremendous cultural turbulence. Spence explores the power of language and the written word as tools for shaping narratives and influencing public perception. She highlights the ways in which writers and poets used Sicily as a metaphorical stage, employing its unique landscapes, historical events, and cultural traditions to convey their messages and convey the complexities of empire.

Through her meticulous research and insightful analysis, Spence offers fresh readings of renowned authors such as Vergil, Claudian, and Dante, demonstrating how their works resonate with the mythological and geographical themes of Sicily. She unravels the rich tapestry of literary references and allusions embedded within these texts, shedding light on the ways in which they contributed to the development of empire narratives and the reclamation of lost narratives.

In conclusion, The Return of Proserpina is a groundbreaking work that delves into the rich tapestry of Sicily's historical and cultural significance. By exploring the myth of Proserpina as a through line, Spence offers a profound exploration of the strategies of empire in classical and medieval Europe. Through her comprehensive analysis and insightful interpretations, she sheds light on the power of language, myth, and geography in shaping narratives and influencing public perception. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies, offering new insights into the complex interplay between empire, myth, and the poetic imagination.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691227184