Location

Grissom Hall, Room 126

Start Date

4-3-2016 6:00 PM

End Date

4-3-2016 6:30 PM

Description

In this paper, I analyze the metaphoric and symbolic associations of birds with wisdom and knowledge, which was triggered by the long historical observation of these animals from sides of scientists and writers. In particular, I focus on the use of animals to create metaphorical symbols in literature and on the representation of birds in active figures in the narration in "The Saga of the Volsungs", "The Poetic Edda", Richard Wagner's "Ring of the Nibelungs" and the Brother Grimm's Version of "Cinderella". In these works, birds are not just merely objects of descriptions and passive presences in the writers' minds: but they are humanized, interact with the protagonists and play crucial roles in the narration.

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Mar 4th, 6:00 PM Mar 4th, 6:30 PM

The Speaking Birds: a Cognitive Approach to the Symbolic Representation of Animals in Literature

Grissom Hall, Room 126

In this paper, I analyze the metaphoric and symbolic associations of birds with wisdom and knowledge, which was triggered by the long historical observation of these animals from sides of scientists and writers. In particular, I focus on the use of animals to create metaphorical symbols in literature and on the representation of birds in active figures in the narration in "The Saga of the Volsungs", "The Poetic Edda", Richard Wagner's "Ring of the Nibelungs" and the Brother Grimm's Version of "Cinderella". In these works, birds are not just merely objects of descriptions and passive presences in the writers' minds: but they are humanized, interact with the protagonists and play crucial roles in the narration.