Jeu et genre : le témoignage de Michel Psellos (Philosophica minora II, 19)

Abstract

An essay by the Byzantine philosopher Michael Psellos (11th century) describes a boy with an abnormally large head who rejects manly games and plays with dolls representing a couple who are getting married and whose bride becomes pregnant and gives birth. Repositioned in its literary genre, with a new translation, this exceptional writing is commented on in relation to the sources used and the ideas expressed. This unusually precise testimony invites us to question the deeper logic that organizes Psellos’ list beyond the distribution of children's activities according to gender. This article places this playful universe in a longer time frame, by comparing Greek, Roman, and Byzantine views on the passion and symbolic value of children and youth’s activities.

Keywords

• Byzantium
• child
• doll
• games
• knucklebones
• Michel Psellos