Masters Degrees (Greek, Latin and Classical Studies)
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Item Open Access Theophany and the divine discourses of job(University of the Free State, 2002-05) Schmidt, Nicolaas Fryer; Nel, P. J.English: The divine discourses of Job 38-42 are usually interpreted from one of two points of view. The traditional reader understands the effect of it as a moment of repentance in the life of the main character, which can be proved from his final reaction in 42:6. In contrast to this, the sceptical reader uses the same evidence but from a different perspective to show how the way in which God handles Job had the opposite effect when Job rejects the Lord. A literary study on the divine discourses proposes that it should be explained as an Old Testament theophany in two senses: As religious phenomenon the true nature and character of the theophany is studied, by distinguishing it from other phenomena of divine manifestations, like the epiphany and the prophetic oracle which usually is reported in the form of dreams and visions. The theophany is also analysed as a literary report which can be identified in some texts of the Old Testament. This literary report of the theophany type-scene consists offive elements: (i) The background to the manifestation, (ii) the manifestation of the divine and the way the human recipient reacts to it, (iii) the dialogue and contents of the theophany report as the aim of the divine manifestation, (vi) the element of intrigue which is present in every theophany in some mysterious aspect of the divine, as well as (v) the conclusion to the theophany type-scene. The literary type-scene of the theophany is used as a framework to be applied to the divine discourses of Job. When the divine discourses is explained as a theophany in both senses as a religious phenomenon and literary report of the type-scene of the theophany, the findings show both the traditional and sceptical interpretations of the divine discourses to be of a one-sided nature. After the Lord had revealed his order and justice in creation to Job by means of the theophany and it the specific way of the theophany type-scene, Job reacts to the divine neither in terms of repentance nor in rejection. The existing faith of Job is instead strengthened by the Lord, because of the character of the divine discourses as theophanic phenomena and the dramatic report thereof that provides Job of a new and revolutionary form of insight about the greatness of the Creator as well as the contingency and insignificance of man in the creation of the Lord.Item Open Access Die rol wat versmaat in Vergilius Aneis boek IV speel met spesiale verwysing na verskille tussen die verhalende - en dialooggedeeltes(University of the Free State, 1974-11) Van den Berg, D. P.; Richards, W. J.Abstract not availableItem Open Access An investigation into the difference in poetic form between certain Medieval and Renaissance poets writing in Latin, with particular reference to Milton(University of the Free State, 1979-06) Curr, Matthew Andrew; Drijepondt, H. L. F.By tracing the tradition of secular metrical Latin verse from the Fifth to the Seventeenth Century the final assimilation of classical sources into the mainstream of vernacular European literature can be much more meaningfully understood. Venantius Fortunatus began his poetical career in the Sixth Century as a professional court versifier, who earned his living by writing poems for wealthy patrons. His work initially fell strictly within the bounds of the rhetorical tradition of Latin poetry but later he started to write more spontaneously upon personal subjects when he was settled at Poitiers. Eventually he abandoned the confines of metrical verse altogether and wrote his finest poems in rhythmical verse upon Christian subjects. The Dark Ages closed in rapidly upon Venantius' death and little Latin poetry of any worth was produced. The Irish scholars formed an isolated body of learned men whose work was rivalled after some time by schools in England. Bede's work at Jarrow marked a significant advance in learning while Charlemagne prompted a renaissance of the arts on the continent. Alcuin was appointed to head this revival of letters and gathered together a circle of highly talented men. The monasteries subsequently took upon themselves the weight of learning and the abbots of St. Gall maintained a particularly good standard during the Tenth Century. Secular studies were not encouraged by the monks, however, and towards the Eleventh Century classical studies were more readily promoted in separate cathedral schools. In the Twelfth Century philosophy and satire were reinstated in scholarly writings. The differences between humanism and Christianity grew clearer so that men such as Abelard openly wrote as scholars for scholarship's sake. The immortality of letters Has recognized once more. The career of Serlo of Wilton is typical of the times. Initially he wrote about grammar, then licentious subjects but finally preferred religious topics in rhythmical verse. The beginning of the Renaissance has marked by Petrarch and Italy's recovery of Greek manuscripts from Byzantium, Classical studies were pursued with fervour and the original Greek text s of the great philosophical schools were read. Metrical verse attained the grace of ancient models through a process of painstaking imitation. Erasmus was a popularizer of the classics and re-asserted the value of ancient works to his contemporaries. Milton's first task as a poet was to attain a mastery of classical metrical technique and his first exercises display a remarkable proficiency. He later developed an original way of transforming the mass of inherited conventions which had stymied so many of his predecessors. His Epitaphium Damonis was a highly individual solution to the problems of writing upon Christian topics in a secular tradition and signified the final assimilation of a classical inheritance.