1. Assignment
Making reference to at least two of the works covered in weeks 1-5 of the module, addressing the following problem:
⦁ Account for the origins and development of biographical writing in late antiquity and the early middle ages (i.e. how and why did people write biographies in this period?).
By addressing two works covered, how can we account for the origins and development of biographical writing in late antiquity and early middle ages?
I.e. how and why did people write biographies in this period?
In late antiquity (161-565 CE) to the early middle ages the origins and development of early biographies and hagiographies were beginning to occur and transform. In this essay, I will argue how and why people wrote biographical writings by referring to the works of Augustine’s Confessions, Einhard’s Life of Charlemagne and the hagiography, Perpetua. First of all, it is important to remember that biographical writings at first were regarded as a mere way of writing down history. Focusing on one individual’s life events, the genre didn’t begin to emerge until the 18th century, hence why historians should be careful when analysing such sources (Kendall) . Early biographies from these periods tend to focus on the lives of kings, saints and other notable people. They were derived to inspire people and perhaps lead a more religious, holy life. This is since mostly, the people who were writing these works were monks, hermits and priests using their knowledge and understanding of these people to help raise awareness of their lives. Many were paid by noble kings to write their biographies to legitimise their right to rule and to put away any criticism. Secondly, a biography is a person’s life written from the perspective of another. It is typically written in 3rd person, different from an autobiography which is written by that particular person on their own lives, written in the 1st person. One such biography was Einhards, Life of Charlemagne, or Vita Karoli Magni . Its one of the most important secular examples of a Medieval biography and is one of the earliest examples written on a European King. Classical themes can be seen in this example as Einhard has used ancient Roman styles in his work, focusing on its structure and fennecs. ( Southern, Pat (1998). Augustus. Routledge, p.1) . This work gives us an intimate glimpse on the Kings life, personal habits and tastes, as it gives the historian inside information on every aspect of his life from Wars to clothes. There are many reasons why it could have been written. One of these is it is a form patronage and a way of praising a great king’s memory. It was an effective way of conveying gratitude to the king for life long support, as historians know that King Charlemagne educated Einhard throughout his life and Einhard looked up to him almost like a father figure. This means, although it was written in a way that could be bias, it …show more content…
The first nine books are autobiographical and the other four are commentary. Although it is hard for historians to know exactly why Saint Augustine wrote this work, it is clear to understand that the work was offered as a form of guideline for how to convert to Christianity. St Augustine evidently needed some self-justification which perhaps could be a possible motivation for the books. This is because he had a rapid ascension from priest to bishop, meaning that they were criticism at every turn. By writing these ‘confessions’, it could be a form of reconciliation in order to resolve his imperfections to his critics and to God. He is not only writing it for public consumptions but for himself, he almost surrenders himself as a vessel of true faith in the public eye. Therefore, by justifying himself, he is justifying his faith at the same …show more content…
Advising on ways to convert and becoming a martyr. By sharing their story, they allow people to experience their journey, meaning people can start to relate their own experiences to the narratives which in turn inspires more people to convert to Christianity. Especially Augustine because he distinguishes how God has always guided him throughout his life even when he was not a Christian, this allows non-Christians to relate themselves to him and begin to think about converting as a way of saving their own soul and initiate their path to
Making reference to at least two of the works covered in weeks 1-5 of the module, addressing the following problem:
⦁ Account for the origins and development of biographical writing in late antiquity and the early middle ages (i.e. how and why did people write biographies in this period?).
By addressing two works covered, how can we account for the origins and development of biographical writing in late antiquity and early middle ages?
I.e. how and why did people write biographies in this period?
In late antiquity (161-565 CE) to the early middle ages the origins and development of early biographies and hagiographies were beginning to occur and transform. In this essay, I will argue how and why people wrote biographical writings by referring to the works of Augustine’s Confessions, Einhard’s Life of Charlemagne and the hagiography, Perpetua. First of all, it is important to remember that biographical writings at first were regarded as a mere way of writing down history. Focusing on one individual’s life events, the genre didn’t begin to emerge until the 18th century, hence why historians should be careful when analysing such sources (Kendall) . Early biographies from these periods tend to focus on the lives of kings, saints and other notable people. They were derived to inspire people and perhaps lead a more religious, holy life. This is since mostly, the people who were writing these works were monks, hermits and priests using their knowledge and understanding of these people to help raise awareness of their lives. Many were paid by noble kings to write their biographies to legitimise their right to rule and to put away any criticism. Secondly, a biography is a person’s life written from the perspective of another. It is typically written in 3rd person, different from an autobiography which is written by that particular person on their own lives, written in the 1st person. One such biography was Einhards, Life of Charlemagne, or Vita Karoli Magni . Its one of the most important secular examples of a Medieval biography and is one of the earliest examples written on a European King. Classical themes can be seen in this example as Einhard has used ancient Roman styles in his work, focusing on its structure and fennecs. ( Southern, Pat (1998). Augustus. Routledge, p.1) . This work gives us an intimate glimpse on the Kings life, personal habits and tastes, as it gives the historian inside information on every aspect of his life from Wars to clothes. There are many reasons why it could have been written. One of these is it is a form patronage and a way of praising a great king’s memory. It was an effective way of conveying gratitude to the king for life long support, as historians know that King Charlemagne educated Einhard throughout his life and Einhard looked up to him almost like a father figure. This means, although it was written in a way that could be bias, it …show more content…
The first nine books are autobiographical and the other four are commentary. Although it is hard for historians to know exactly why Saint Augustine wrote this work, it is clear to understand that the work was offered as a form of guideline for how to convert to Christianity. St Augustine evidently needed some self-justification which perhaps could be a possible motivation for the books. This is because he had a rapid ascension from priest to bishop, meaning that they were criticism at every turn. By writing these ‘confessions’, it could be a form of reconciliation in order to resolve his imperfections to his critics and to God. He is not only writing it for public consumptions but for himself, he almost surrenders himself as a vessel of true faith in the public eye. Therefore, by justifying himself, he is justifying his faith at the same …show more content…
Advising on ways to convert and becoming a martyr. By sharing their story, they allow people to experience their journey, meaning people can start to relate their own experiences to the narratives which in turn inspires more people to convert to Christianity. Especially Augustine because he distinguishes how God has always guided him throughout his life even when he was not a Christian, this allows non-Christians to relate themselves to him and begin to think about converting as a way of saving their own soul and initiate their path to