Metamorphosis of Language in Apuleius : A Study of Allusion in the Novel

Rating:
Summary: golden arches
Review: This book of allusion in the <Metamorphoses> of Apuleius supplies intelligent discussion of some fruitful scenes and tries to sketch a framework of methodologies of approaching allusion, inlfuence and immitation in ancient literature. The second chapter on parody and the fourth chapter on the narrator as a liar, allusions to Sinon, are the two I found most coherently informing. The primary strength of this book is the application of the author's close reading and well of intelligence. Finkelpearl illuminates specific points of departure (primarily Vergil and Ovid) for Apuleius' own fabulous transformations. Another strength, surely a sign of wisdom on the part of the author, also makes for an absence of note in my reading. I am speaking of a lack of consistent theoretical approach to allusion. It is perhaps the case that each author uses other texts differently, sui generis in every case. However, the collection of methods and approaches to allusion, intertextuality, imitatio, influence seems to be without a guiding principal, aside from situational efficacy. In this case, Finkelpearl by carrying a very large toolbox, on the whole, seems to approach each textual situation with the appropriate tool.

Rating:
Summary: golden arches
Review: This book of allusion in the of Apuleius supplies intelligent discussion of some fruitful scenes and tries to sketch a framework of methodologies of approaching allusion, inlfuence and immitation in ancient literature. The second chapter on parody and the fourth chapter on the narrator as a liar, allusions to Sinon, are the two I found most coherently informing. The primary strength of this book is the application of the author's close reading and well of intelligence. Finkelpearl illuminates specific points of departure (primarily Vergil and Ovid) for Apuleius' own fabulous transformations. Another strength, surely a sign of wisdom on the part of the author, also makes for an absence of note in my reading. I am speaking of a lack of consistent theoretical approach to allusion. It is perhaps the case that each author uses other texts differently, sui generis in every case. However, the collection of methods and approaches to allusion, intertextuality, imitatio, influence seems to be without a guiding principal, aside from situational efficacy. In this case, Finkelpearl by carrying a very large toolbox, on the whole, seems to approach each textual situation with the appropriate tool.

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