Pierres, flèches, cigales, princes et principes : Gilles de Rome à propos des métaphores (politiques)

Abstract

In this article, we are going to expose the theory and the classification of metaphores that Giles of Rome puts forward in his commentary on Aristotle’s Rhetoric (1272-73). Giles works out his theory of four types of metaphor as interpretive reaction to the suggestions and examples that he could read in the latin translation of Aristotle’s Rhetoric , but were frequently obscure and misleading. In his De regimine we find the application of only one type of metaphor, i.e. similitude ( assmilatio or metaphora secundum analogiam ). Many of these similitudes are grounded on the idea that there exists a basic unity in the universe, for instance beween the natural domain and the human society: this unity allows us to apply the same principles to both domaines, interpreting their dynamics in analogous ways. As a consequence, the disciplines that deal with nature, human beings and their societies follows parallel paths: for him ars is literally the imitatrix naturae . In his commentary on Aristotle’s Rhetoric we can also read interpretations of pseudoproverbs and of asteia (elegant or puzzling words and expressions) which indicate Giles’ early propension to reflect on the political and ethical domains.