Abstract
This article analyzes one of the main characters of the 'Iggeret ha-musar by Shem Tov ibn Falaquera: the Hindu master. In the text this figure shows himself as a strangeand controversial wise man by his words and, especially, by his behaviour. He is used by the author to teach ethical concepts well-known in the didactics literature of the thirteenthcentury; but he also offers messages that could be considered inusual in a Jewish context.This circumstance makes necessary to ask us about his function with in the treatise and the values that the author defends through him. This analysis will contribute to illuminate Falaquera’s thought as well as the socio-cultural climate of his time..
Highlights
This article analyzes one of the main characters of the Iggeret ha-musar by Shem Tov ibn Falaquera: the Hindu master. In the text this figure shows himself as a strange and controversial wise man by his words and, especially, by his behaviour. He is used by the author to teach ethical concepts well-known in the didactics literature of the thirteenth century; but he offers messages that could be considered inusual in a Jewish context
This circumstance makes necessary to ask us about his function within the treatise and the values that the author defends through him
Summary
La cuestión que tras la comida se aborda nos lleva nuevamente a un terreno complejo y a un asunto especialmente controvertido en la obra de Falaquera: la actitud hacia las mujeres y, especialmente, hacia el matrimonio 33. Si nada tiene de particular la imagen que Falaquera ofrece de la mujer al presentarla como un mal grave y una amenaza para la misma vida, un lugar común en los textos y colecciones de orientación didáctica que circulan por la Península 45, no puede decirse lo mis-m mo de esta decisión de permanecer célibe (al menos en un contexto judío) 46. Pero las posibles resonancias que este contexto socio-cultural pudiera tener en los círculos judíos 49, no evita que el modelo que Falaquera está proponiendo resulte cuanto menos enigmático para una audiencia que, entre otras cosas, aun desconoce el origen y procedencia de este extraño maestro y que puede, pues, tenerlo por un miembro de su misma comunidad. Y le dirán: Entonces que tu mujer no entre 52
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