The Wounded Body: Memory, Language and the Self from Petrarch to Shakespeare

The collection explores the image of the wound as a cultural symptom and literary-visual trope in Early Modern Italian and English cultures, focusing on the traumatic event and the scar as a reminder of time's passing.

Format: Hardback
Length: 411 pages
Publication date: 11 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This edited collection delves into the multifaceted portrayal of the wound as a cultural symptom and a literary-visual trope at the heart of representations of a novel concept of selfhood in Early Modern Italian and English cultures. Spanning the complementary realms of poetry and theatre, it explores the profound significance of the wounded body in shaping cultural narratives. The semantic domain of the wounded body encompasses two interconnected aspects: the image of the wound as a traumatic event that leaves a lasting imprint on both the physical body and the soul, prompting an investigation into its causes and potential remedies. Additionally, the motif of the scar serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time, urging those who gaze upon it to engage in introspective and analytical reflection. By meticulously studying and documenting the transmission of this metaphorical paradigm throughout the literary tradition, the contributors shed light on how the image of the bodily wound—from Petrarch's portrayal of the Self to the overt crises that impact the heroes and the poetic worlds crafted by Ariosto, Tasso, Spenser, and Shakespeare—responded to the emergence of Modernity as a distinct cultural phenomenon.

Introduction:
The wound has long held a central place in human experiences, symbolizing both physical and emotional trauma. In Early Modern Italian and English cultures, the image of the wound took on a particularly rich and complex significance, serving as a cultural symptom and a literary-visual trope that reflected the evolving concept of selfhood. This edited collection aims to explore the multifaceted portrayal of the wound in these cultures, examining its role in shaping cultural narratives and its impact on individuals and society.

The Cultural Significance of the Wound:
The wound has been deeply embedded in cultural traditions throughout history, serving as a powerful symbol of vulnerability, loss, and transformation. In Early Modern Italian and English cultures, the wound was particularly relevant in the context of the emergence of a new concept of selfhood. The individual was no longer perceived as a static entity bound by traditional social structures but rather as a dynamic and evolving creature capable of self-discovery and self-expression.

Poetry and Theatre as Expressive Mediums:
Poetry and theatre were particularly effective mediums for exploring the image of the wound in Early Modern Italian and English cultures. Poetry allowed for the exploration of the intimate and subjective experiences of the individual, while theatre provided a platform for the exploration of larger societal issues and conflicts.

Petrarch and the Self:
Petrarch, the father of humanism, played a significant role in shaping the concept of the self in Early Modern Italian culture. In his writings, Petrarch emphasized the importance of the individual's subjective experience and the role of the mind in shaping one's identity. Petrarch's portrayal of the Self as a wounded creature, marked by physical and emotional scars, resonated with the emerging concept of selfhood, as individuals sought to understand their place in the world and navigate the complexities of human relationships.

Ariosto and Tasso:
Ariosto and Tasso, two prominent Italian poets of the Renaissance, further developed the image of the wound in their works. Ariosto's Orlando Furioso, in particular, depicted the wounded hero as a symbol of resilience and determination, showcasing the hero's ability to overcome physical and emotional trauma and emerge stronger. Tasso's Gerusalemme Liberata, on the other hand, explored the darker side of the wound, depicting the hero's descent into madness and destruction as a result of his physical and emotional scars.

Spenser and Shakespeare:
Spenser and Shakespeare, two prominent English poets of the Elizabethan era, also contributed to the portrayal of the wound in their works. Spenser's The Faerie Queene, for instance, depicted the wounded hero as a symbol of redemption and transformation, showcasing the hero's ability to overcome his physical and emotional scars and emerge as a hero of virtue and honor. Shakespeare's Hamlet, on the other hand, explored the psychological and emotional toll of the wound, depicting the hero's struggle with his own mortality and the legacy of his father's murder.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this edited collection provides a comprehensive exploration of the image of the wound as a cultural symptom and a literary-visual trope in Early Modern Italian and English cultures. By examining the transmission of this metaphoric paradigm through the literary tradition, the contributors demonstrate how the image of the bodily wound could respond to the emergence of Modernity as a new cultural feature. The wound continues to hold a profound significance in contemporary culture, serving as a reminder of the human experience and the complexities of selfhood.

Weight: 678g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030919030
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022