Saint gregory of tours and classical literary culture

Abstract

Chapters 1 to 5 examine the background against which Gregory of Tours lived and which formed his attitudes. We observe the conquest of Gaul by the Franks and the ending of Roman authority and look at the linguistic situation in Gaul in the sixth century. After examining the Roman system of education (which Gregory did not enjoy), we see the decline of Roman educational facilities in Gaul and the Church providing education of some sort. The number and location of Gallic monasteries is discussed, also the ideas framing life in 'Martinian' and 'Lerins-Rhone Valley' monasteries. Opportunities for classical education i n Gallo- Roman households, episcopal and parish schools, and from learned individuals, are considered. The Christian dilemma with regard to pagan letters is discussed with consideration of a number of writers. Chapters 6 to 10 consider Gregory in the setting described, his works, their literary genres, knowledge of Christian writers. His own works are widely cited. His knowledge of Virgil, Sallust, the Liberal Arts, and other classical writers is examined. Did Gregory know Philostratus's Life of Apollonius of Tyana? We look at Gregory's attitude to his literary shortcomings and at his motives for writing. We compare his attitude to pagan literature with that of St. Benedict, Cassiodore and St Gregory the Great, noting the Christian refusal to be bound by the dictates of the Liberal Arts. We consider some grammatical phenomena, compare his use of place names with the use made by Marius of Avenches and John of Biclar; we note three interesting christianisms, 'inergumeni', 'contestatio' and 'virtus'.