The chronotopic level of the structuring of space in Prudentius'sCathemerinon7∗

Abstract

Summary In order to put the whole question of the chronotopic level in the right perspective the three levels of space (identified by Gabriel Zoran), i.e. topographical, chronotopic and textual, are by way of orientation and introduction briefly characterized. The aims of this study are (a) to apply the chronotopic principle (based on Zoran's theory of space in narrative) to the narrative components in the text of Prudentius's Cathemerinon 7, (b) to distinguish between and to discuss the synchronic and diachronic situations and relationships to be found in this hymn, and (c) to determine the functionality of the “chronotopos” in this text. Explanations are offered for the fact that Prudentius's special treatment of the plot material differs significantly from the Biblical intertext on the chronotopic as well as on the textual level. In this article it is claimed that meaning is conveyed through the “chronotopos”. From the textual evidence it also becomes clear that the plot's significance and message (esp...