Structure and Argument in Augustine’s Nativity Sermons 184 and 185: Two Sermons with a Division into Three Parts

Abstract

A previous article has demonstrated on the basis of a twofold analysis - of the use of language and of Scripture - that sermones 186 and 187 each consist of four parts. The current article shows on the basis of a similar investigation that sermones 184 and 185 must be divided into three parts. The article’s study of the use of language focuses on such aspects as change of sentence type, use of particles and unusual constituent order, while its exploration of the use of Scripture looks at the occurrence of biblical passages or clusters of biblical passages. Both the use of language and the use of Scripture demonstrate the existence of transitions, highlighted by markers. It appears that, beside a division into four parts (introduction, preparation for the didactic moment, the didactic moment itself and conclusion), Augustine sometimes used a threefold structure for his sermons. The introduction and conclusion receive less emphasis in these sermons (they are limited to a few references integrated into the first and the third parts), and Augustine either immediately begins with the didactic moment, subsequently confirming it (s. 184), or begins with a preparation for the didactic moment, followed by the didactic moment itself (s. 185). Both sermons conclude with a reflection in the third part. Thus Augustine is fllexible regarding the first two parts (either of which can contain the didactic moment), and he uses different scriptural references. Nonetheless the format of the two sermons is identical, just as the format of sermones 186 and 187 was identical (a division into four parts). As he did in these latter four-part sermons, which each deal with a specific problem, Augustine has crafted his text very carefully in the sermones 184 and 185, which are festive and wide-ranging, and he has left nothing to chance. This article contributes to the debate on whether or not there is ordered structure and argument in Augustine’s sermons, and on the manner in which Augustine guides his audience to greater insight.