The Consolation of Boethius as Poetic Liturgy by Stephen Blackwood
Barbara Walker Wyman|Scott Goins
Reviewed by: The Consolation of Boethius as Poetic Liturgy by Stephen Blackwood Barbara Wyman and Scott Goins Oxford Early Christian Studies Oxford: University Press, 2015 Pp. xxi + 338. $125. For centuries readers have appreciated the solace offered Philosophy, students work long attributed its effectiveness to author’s ideas, images, style read silently from printed page. In this ambitious perceptive study, demonstrates that carefully designed aural component Consolation, especially poetry, play a central role in work’s avowed therapeutic purpose. bases his arguments on several points, including vision music therapy Boethius’s De institutione musica, professed aim offering poetry medicine for soul, attention meter metrical repetition poems, overall importance oral/aural elements ancient literature. Although Blackwood’s primary focus is nature he manages link topic major questions regarding Christianity perceptions incomplete or ineffectual conclusion. Introduction, focuses literature, which contends modern reader easily ignores. On basis theories linking with harmony mind, body both before argues we should take seriously Lady Philosophy’s promise bring healing prisoner through music. further opines poetic rhythm “an essential means consolation text achieve” (23). admitting cannot fully understand experience original readers, suggests still try recover intended effects meters other features employs. Following Introduction Part One book, illustrates method closely [End Page 143] examining sounds poems Book Consolation. example, discussing poem 1.1, explains why elegiac so appropriate prisoner’s perception himself condition, poem, such abundance plosive indicating frustration. As continues One, shows how rest serves express mental emotional condition attempt use verse heal him. some will feel overinterprets particular elements, many interpretations seem convincing encourage us think new ways. Two, repeated. instances repetition, claims subsequent appearances evoke answer previous uses. Chapter Four examines connections between four anapestic dimeter. With these where individual are repeated, convincingly author alludes responds earlier same meter. Despite repetitions, acknowledges, majority do not share This raises Three, an examination line-length rhythms smaller more syllables different meters. intentionally evokes if, instance, two make dactylic hexameter lines units, dactyl joined spondee. conclusions here less than those exactly meter, worth consideration, since rightly stresses possessed remarkably developed memory probably made would escape notice readers. strong recollection be seen answer...
Journal of Early Christian Studies