The aim of this conference will be to elaborate a more comprehensive “matrix of literary self-molding” by asking, e.g., how ancient authors transport “big thoughts”, which rhetorical strategies they choose, how much they make use of autobiographical speech/narratio, in which way they create a “narrative ego”, which kinds of legitimizing elements and/or moral claims they make, and how far they – by referring to daily-life knowledge (s. Foucault) – look for approval of their (individual) authorial concept. This matrix should be developed from a comparative reading of ancient authors (Hellenistic-Roman, Early Jewish and Christian) in the time frame between Cicero, Paul and Augustine, such as: Ovid, Philo, Josephus, Juvenal, Plutarch et al.

Programme