The Saint as an Astute Heroine

• Published in: Mnemosyne 2016-05, Vol.69 (3), p.433-452
• Main Authors: Bossu, Annelies, De Temmerman, Koen, Praet, Danny
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Martyrs; Rhetoric
• ISSN: 0026-7074; 1568-525X
• DOI: 10.1163/1568525X-12341838

This article provides a detailed analysis of character construction in the fifth century passio Caeciliae (Bibliotheca Hagiographica Latina 1495 - 1495a - 1496). Our analysis sets out to challenge the general assumption that character construction in the late antique passions can correctly be described in terms of stereotypes. The passio Caeciliae appeals to and inverts reader expectations based upon traditional patterns in erotic narrative. We also argue that it individuates the different characters (Caecilia and her fellow martyrs) by documenting one specific area of their representation, namely rhetorical ability. In this thematic area, Caecilia is set apart from her husband Valerianus: unlike him, she displays elaborate rhetorical aptitude which allows her to obtain the dominant position in the marriage and to achieve her aims. But the art of rhetoric is also a skill that can be learned as is shown by the character of Valerianus whose rhetorical approach changes in the course of the passion. Our analysis suggests that this passion from a literary point of view constitutes a more interesting text than is generally assumed.