Dante's De Vulgari Eloquentia

Definition

Dante's De Vulgari Eloquentia is a treatise written in the early 14th century that discusses the use of the vernacular language in literature, arguing for its legitimacy and importance alongside Latin. This work reflects Dante's views on language and culture, aiming to elevate the status of the vernacular, particularly Italian, as a medium for literary expression and intellectual discourse.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dante wrote De Vulgari Eloquentia to defend the use of the Italian vernacular in literature, arguing that it can express complex ideas just as effectively as Latin.
2. The treatise is divided into two books, with the first focusing on the nature and qualities of vernacular languages, while the second addresses poetic forms and styles suitable for them.
3. Dante believed that using vernacular language would democratize literature, making it accessible to a broader audience beyond the educated elite who were fluent in Latin.
4. Although De Vulgari Eloquentia was never completed, it significantly influenced later writers and thinkers who advocated for the use of vernacular languages in literature.
5. The work is considered one of the earliest examples of linguistic theory, as Dante examines language not only as a tool for communication but also as a cultural identity marker.

Review Questions

• How does Dante's argument in De Vulgari Eloquentia challenge the dominance of Latin in medieval literature?
  • Dante's De Vulgari Eloquentia challenges the dominance of Latin by advocating for the legitimacy of the vernacular languages, particularly Italian, as valid mediums for literary expression. He argues that vernacular can capture the richness of human experience and complex thoughts just like Latin. By promoting the use of vernacular literature, Dante aimed to make such works more accessible to everyday people, which directly opposed the exclusive nature of Latin literature that primarily catered to educated elites.
• What are some key themes presented in De Vulgari Eloquentia regarding language and identity?
  • Key themes in De Vulgari Eloquentia include the relationship between language and cultural identity, as well as the idea of linguistic diversity. Dante emphasizes that language is not merely a tool for communication but also a reflection of a community's culture and values. By advocating for vernacular literature, he highlights how using one's native tongue fosters a sense of belonging and pride among its speakers. This underscores the broader implications of language choice in shaping national identity during a time when regional dialects were prominent.
• Evaluate the impact of Dante's De Vulgari Eloquentia on later literary movements and language use in Europe.
  • Dante's De Vulgari Eloquentia had a profound impact on later literary movements such as the Renaissance, where there was an increased appreciation for national literatures and vernacular writing. By asserting that vernacular languages could convey deep philosophical and artistic expressions, Dante paved the way for writers like Petrarch and Boccaccio to explore themes in their native tongues. This shift contributed to a gradual decline in Latin's dominance in literature and education, influencing the emergence of modern European languages as significant cultural vehicles for artistic expression.

Related terms

Vernacular: The everyday language spoken by the ordinary people in a particular region, as opposed to Latin or other formal languages used in literature and academia.

Allegory:

A literary device where characters or events symbolize deeper meanings and moral lessons, often used in medieval literature to convey philosophical or theological ideas.

Literary Canon: A collection of works considered representative and essential within a particular literary tradition, often influencing cultural identity and education.