Narrative Model of the Acta Xanthippae et Polyxenae

Szepessy, Tibor (2004) Narrative Model of the Acta Xanthippae et Polyxenae. Acta Antiqua, 44 (2-4). pp. 317-340. ISSN 0044-5975

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Abstract

Dating probably from the 6th century, this work relates the story of the conversion of Xanthippe and Polyxene, but the plot took place much earlier, at the time of the apostles. Four of them actually figure in the story, including among others St Paul. The anonymous author clearly follows the literary tradition of the apocryphal acts of the apostles. On the other hand, however, he was deeply influenced by another form of art, namely by the lives of saints. Consequently, the apostles are relegated into the background in the story, and the author concentrates above all on Xanthippe and Polyxene, that is, instead of the evangelists on the mental and psychological process of the conversion of the would-be Christians. And since it is very doubtful, whether his heroines ever existed, he employs the narrative methods and devices he found in ancient fiction, in the pagan romances or Christian novels.

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