Naslov
The Construction of Space in Aristaenetus’ Erotic Letters

Autori
Hajdarević ; Sabira

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, neobjavljeni rad, znanstveni

Skup
Constructing Space in Greek and Latin Epistolography

Mjesto i datum
Online ; Nikozija, Cipar, 02.06.2023

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Recenziran

Ključne riječi
Aristaenetus ; space ; epistolary verisimilitude ; spatial separation

Sažetak
The epistolary collection entitled Erotic Letters (6th ct. AD) is usually ascribed to Aristaenetus. It consists of 50 erotic letters. Although fictional, these letters contain many formal and content features typical of “real” letters. In order to create the epistolary verisimilitude, the author is expected to offer the spatial separation of his senders and addressees as their main motivation for sending letters. While some letters clearly state the need for epistolary communication and the anticipation of the lovers’ encounter, which will make the spatial separation disappear, some correspondents do not seem to be separated at all. Also, there are letters used as means of creating a space between correspondents (e.g. a lover wronged sends a break-up letter, demanding to be left alone), as well as gossip- letters, portraying events that do not concern either of the correspondents, presented by the senders, unlikely witnesses who could not have been present and could not have shared the space with the protagonists while the events were taking place. Some letters clearly reveal the exact location of the sender/addressee, while others do not. The variety within the collection will be displayed. A closer examination of the contexts of the letters which were not motivated by the separation of the correspondents will be conducted. I would argue that in most cases Aristanetus did not “fail” in his attempt to create the epistolary verisimilitude, since there are circumstances that point to the potential narrative advantages of epistolary communication: some senders are angry and want to avoid meeting the addressees in person, some addressees refuse to meet the senders, the written arguments are more convincing than apologia in person, gossip-letters can be read again or forwarded to someone else as a light reading entertainment, etc. Finally, I will point to a few letters that make us think of both disadvantages and dangers of the epistolary communication. There are variations in the construction and the manipulation of space in the collection, and these variations should be considered intentional narrative tools employed by the author.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Filologija, Književnost

POVEZANOST RADA