Abstract | Keywords | Export | Availability | Bookmark

Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

Classical mythology was a favorite subject of the 16th century rhetoricians. These "fables" were adapted into sensual games in which recognizable love issues were discussed. Nine of these so-called mythological-amorous plays have been handed down, written and performed since the end of the fifteenth century. The texts make clear how the handling of classical mythology changed in the period that forms the transition from the Middle Ages to modern times. This study examines the relationship to the original texts, the dramaturgy and performance of the plays and the tradition in manuscript and print. The mythology, pagan and fictional in nature, provided space to experiment with the depiction of eroticism and emotions, while dramaturgy provided a didactic framework that met the social and ethical needs of the time. The mythological-amorous games thus contributed to the introduction, distribution and acceptance of ancient mythology in the vernacular culture and to the development of an effective love didactic.

Dutch literature. --- Dutch literature --- Flemish literature --- Mythology, Classical, in literature. --- Mythology, Classical --- Rhetoricians --- History and criticism. --- Chambers of rhetoric --- Dutch drama --- History. --- Flemish drama --- Rederijkerskamers --- Literature --- Societies, etc. --- geschiedenis --- history --- dutch literature - flemish literature --- literatuurgeschiedenis