Plays. By Roswitha of Gandersheim FULL Audiobook
"Plays" by Roswitha of Gandersheim is a remarkable collection of dramatic works penned by the tenth-century German canoness, dramatist, and poet, Hrotsvitha. Let's delve into the fascinating world of her literary contributions:
1. Hrotsvitha's Background and Significance:
Hrotsvitha was born around 935 in Saxony and passed away in 973 at the Gandersheim Monastery.
She entered the Gandersheim Abbey, a house of secular canonesses, where she took vows of chastity and obedience but not poverty.
Her privileged economic position allowed her to lead a relatively comfortable life, study in a well-stocked library, and learn from various teachers.
Hrotsvitha's name, which means "a mighty shout," reflects her desire to glorify Christian heroes and legends through her writings.
2. Her Literary Works:
Legends: Hrotsvitha composed eight legends in verse, celebrating the lives of saints and martyrs. These narratives blend piety with poetic expression.
Comedies: Her comedies are characterized by wit, humor, and moral lessons. They often feature strong female characters and explore themes of virtue and vice.
Plays: Hrotsvitha's six short dramas are considered her most significant works. Let's explore them further:
3. The Six Dramas:
"Gallicanus" (Parts I and II): A powerful exploration of faith, martyrdom, and the clash between Roman authority and Christian conviction.
"Dulcitius": A comedy that humorously portrays the conversion of three pagan women by a Christian soldier.
"Callimachus": A play centered around the theme of chastity, where a young woman resists the advances of a lustful governor.
"Abraham": A drama inspired by the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, emphasizing obedience to God's will.
"Paphnutius": A tale of a noblewoman who disguises herself as a monk to avoid marriage, highlighting themes of gender and identity.
"Sapientia": A play celebrating the triumph of wisdom over earthly desires.
4. Hrotsvitha's Legacy:
She is considered the first female writer from the Germanosphere.
Hrotsvitha's works provide valuable insights into the lives of women during the early Middle Ages.
Despite historical doubts about authenticity, her genuine contributions have been affirmed by scholars.
Her plays, legends, and comedies continue to inspire readers and honor her vocation as a writer.
In summary, Hrotsvitha's literary legacy transcends time, offering a unique perspective on faith, morality, and the human experience. Her plays, infused with both piety and creativity, remain a testament to her enduring influence on medieval literature ..
More: Roswitha of Gandersheim, Hrotsvitha, German canoness
dramatist, poet, Western playwright
first known woman playwright, Roman comic playwright, Terence
farces, disguises, misunderstandings
pagan debauchery, Christianize, dramas in Latin
00:00:00 Translator’s Note
00:01:27 Introduction
00:10:59 The Plays of Roswitha
00:27:43 Prefaces of Roswitha
00:33:53 Plays. Gallicanus
01:18:58 Dulcitius
01:39:21 Callimachus
02:06:44 Abraham
02:39:17 Paphnutius
03:34:06 Sapientia
04:14:01 A Note on the Acting of the Plays
Информация по комментариям в разработке