The influence of Greek literary mimes on Theocritus' bucolic poetry

Abstract

This study intends to analyze the relationship between Greek literary mimes and bucolic poetry in the third century. Discussing the origins of Theocritus' bucolic corpus and its varied content, the research will explore the influence of mimes on the creation of a new poetic form in dactylic hexameter. The arguments will be based on two important ideas: the dramatic structure adopted by a great number of Theocritus' pastoral idylls and the literary discussions that were contemporary to the composition of these poems. When the boundaries between poetic genres became less discernible and the poets opt for combination of topoi of different genres in order to create poetry that is new and related to tradition, Theocritus' pastoral idylls introduced unusual subject to hexameter poetry and presented shepherds in a dramatic interaction. By the analysis of this corpus, of the preserved Greek literary mimes (Sophron and Herodas), of the ancient testimonia about bucolic poetry and mime, and of the Hellenistic aesthetics, it will be possible to understand the origin of this new poetic form and the importance acquired in the next centuries. (AU)