De vulgari eloquentia

Definition

De vulgari eloquentia, written by Dante Alighieri in the early 14th century, is a seminal work that discusses the use of vernacular languages in literature, particularly Italian. This text argues for the importance of elevating the vernacular to a literary status equal to that of Latin, which was the dominant language of scholarship and high culture during the medieval period. Dante's work emphasizes the beauty and richness of local languages, paving the way for their acceptance in literary forms and shaping the future of Italian literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dante wrote de vulgari eloquentia as a defense of using vernacular languages in poetry and prose, arguing that it could express complex thoughts and emotions effectively.
2. The work consists of several treatises where Dante analyzes different dialects of Italian and their potential to become a unified literary language.
3. De vulgari eloquentia highlights the notion that vernacular poetry can attain a higher aesthetic value, challenging the previously established supremacy of Latin.
4. Dante discusses various forms of poetry, including sonnets and canzones, providing examples from different regions to illustrate his points about style and structure.
5. Although de vulgari eloquentia was not widely read during Dante's lifetime, it significantly influenced later writers and contributed to the rise of Italian as a literary language.

Review Questions

• How does Dante's de vulgari eloquentia challenge traditional views about language in medieval literature?
  • Dante's de vulgari eloquentia challenges traditional views by advocating for the legitimacy of vernacular languages as vehicles for serious literature. He argues that vernacular languages possess beauty and complexity comparable to Latin, which was traditionally seen as the only suitable language for literary expression. By promoting the idea that local dialects can achieve high artistic value, Dante helps shift the perspective on language use in literature during the medieval period.
• Discuss the significance of de vulgari eloquentia in the context of the development of Italian literature.
  • De vulgari eloquentia plays a crucial role in the development of Italian literature by laying the groundwork for using Italian as a literary language. Dante analyzes various dialects and encourages writers to embrace their vernacular speech, thus paving the way for future authors. This work not only elevates Italian language and culture but also contributes to the establishment of a national literary identity that would flourish during the Renaissance.
• Evaluate how de vulgari eloquentia reflects broader cultural shifts during its time regarding language, identity, and literature.
  • De vulgari eloquentia reflects significant cultural shifts by emphasizing the importance of vernacular languages as integral to regional identity and cultural expression. As Europe transitioned from medieval scholasticism toward Renaissance humanism, Dante's work captures this change by asserting that local languages can convey profound ideas and emotions. This movement toward valuing vernacular speech aligns with growing sentiments around national identity and cultural pride, which would shape literary developments across Europe.

Related terms

Vernacular: The everyday language spoken by ordinary people in a particular region, as opposed to a classical or formal language.

Humanism:

A cultural and intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the study of classical texts, human potential, and the value of human experience.

Allegory:

A narrative technique in which characters and events represent broader themes and concepts, often conveying moral or philosophical meanings.