A commentary on Jerome's Vita Malchi

Thesis

This Commentary on Jerome’s Vita Malchi begins with an Introduction which summarises some of the main points of interest of this early hagiographical text, including its relevance to contemporary debates about asceticism and the classical and biblical influences on the language and content. Particular attention is paid to the style and rhetorical devices deployed. A discussion of the textual status of the work is followed by a preliminary edition of the text on which the notes of the commentary are based. The commentary itself deals with a large variety of issues. Stylistic and philological observations are made throughout. Topoi in the preface are identified. The internal consistency of the narrative is investigated. The geographical background to the movements of the characters is elucidated, and their status is put in the context of Roman jurisprudence. Jerome's depiction of the Saracens in chapter Four is compared with that of Ammianus. Important literary themes and influences are treated discursively where appropriate, e.g. the description and interpretation of a colony of ants in chapter Seven. An attempt is made to solve all textual problems identified. In sum, this commentary aims to give a sense of Jerome's wide range of interests, as well as demonstrating the influence of his literary background and his creative engagement with it.

Authors: Gray, C; Christa Gray

• Publication date: 2012
• DOI: 10.5287/ora-bdp0vy4x1
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: Latin literature; Latin philology; Early Christianity
• Subjects: Religions of antiquity; Church history; Late antiquity and the Middle Ages; Latin