Estudio de las configuraciones de una imagen poética"Nuestras vidas son los ríos..."

Abstract

The main objective of this dissertation is the study of the evolution of the image "life as a river" in its different poetic configurations through a long textual tradition in the history of Western culture, until its crystallization in the 15th century Spanish poet, Jorge Manrique. The investigation adopts an interdisciplinary and supranational approach: it includes texts from classical culture, from philosophy and theology; and goes beyond different linguistic boundaries. This research is based on the principles of comparative literature, although its aim is to recognize not only permanent themes but also various ways of configuring the image and its rhetorical techniques (such as metaphor, allegory, sensus allegoricus, comparison...). The different forms of intertextuality (imitation, influence, quotes or allusions) are studied based on a comparative approach, dealing with linguistic, rhetorical and pragmatic features. The development of this study establishes fundamental moments concerning the symbol of the river: 1. Plato's interpretation of the river image from Heraclite's doctrine. 2. The use of this image in Stoa's philosophical system. 3. Horace's and Ovid's poetic use of it. 4. Development of river symbolism in ancient Christianity as expressed in biblical exegesis. 5. The "Christianization" of the river motif, as a symbol of time and temporality in Saint Augustine's sermons. 6. Transmission of this symbol in biblical dictionaries, summaries, commentaries and the patristic tradition. 7. Moral context of medieval poetry in contemptum mundi, vanitas or meditatio mortis. The image was introduced into vernacular literature in this way. 8. Mystical symbolism in the works of theologians such as Hugo and Ricardo of San Victor. 9. Finally, transmission and spreading of the symbol in medieval sermons, particularly in those of San Vicente Ferrer, who is very near in time to Jorge Manrique's work.