The Anthropology of Wisdom Literature

by H.W Kaufmann

Overview

This unusual book examines definitions of the fable, apologue, parable, moral tale, etc. It then proposes the use of the term exemplum, used by medieval scribes, to define all types of wisdom narratives. It makes a cross-cultural structural analysis of the exemplum and identifies its tripartite structure composed of the promythium, the nucleus, and the epimythium. The book ends with an analysis of the reasons why grown men spent so much time writing and collecting these tales. It demonstrates that fables and related genres were not really meant for little children to learn moral lessons. They were used to teach complex religious and political ideologies, to safely ridicule tyrants and despots, to release tensions, and to give good or bad advice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780897894722
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	09/13/1996
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.56(d)
Lexile:	1360L (what's this?)

About the Author

WANDA OSTROWSKA KAUFMANN is Visiting Assistant Professor at Our Lady of the Lake University and a Lecturer at the University of Texas, San Antonio. Born in Germany, she is of Polish descent and was raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and speaks six languages fluently. Her research involves applying anthropological and archaeological methodologies and theories to the study of literary texts, writers, and readers. Dr. Kaufmann received her PhD in Medieval Spanish Literature from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently Visiting Assistant Professor at Our Lady of the Lake University and a Lecturer at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Madeline Sutherland
Introduction
Morphology of the Exemplum
Typology of the Exemplum
Oriental Roots
From the Vedas to the Epics
From the Upanishads to the Brhat-Katha
The Derivatives of the Brhat-Katha
Classical Roots
From Homer to Aristotle
Hellenistic Collections
From Phaedrus to Avianus
The Exemplum in Medieval Europe
From the New Testament to Caesarius of Arles
Revival of the Collections
From Juan Manuel to Boccaccio
Functions of the Exemplum
Intra-Textual Functions
Extra-Textual Functions
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Applies the methods of anthropology to collections of parables and exempla, and other literature or literary elements that offer general or universal advice. Examines the morphology and typology of the exemplum, Oriental and Classical roots of European forms, its manifestation in Medieval Europe, and its functions both inside and outside the text. Finds a tripartite structure that remains constant over time and space. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews