An investigation into the difference in poetic form between certain Medieval and Renaissance poets writing in Latin, with particular reference to Milton
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Date
1979-06
Authors
Curr, Matthew Andrew
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
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.
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Keywords
Latin poetry, Milton, John, Dissertation (M.A. (Latin))--University of the Free State, 1979