Kentron (Dec 2008)
Mythe et allégorie dans l’œuvre de Lucien
Abstract
This paper examines Lucian’s attitude towards myth and allegory, under its double aspect of interpretative technique and creative process. A careful reading shows that Lucian’s use of myth and allegory is deeply ambiguous and crafty: while constantly criticizing mythology, he gives it the leading role; while making fun of the allegorical exegesis of mythology, he resorts to allegorized myths too; while claiming to exploit the didactic potential of allegory, he subtly corrupts the great models from which he draws his inspiration: even his own allegorical compositions do not escape ironic questioning.
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