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