Thekla’s Epic: Identity and Classicism in the Life and Miracles of Saint Thekla

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>In the fifth century, the author of the <jats:italic>Life and Miracles of Saint Thekla</jats:italic> transformed Thekla’s story from a simple Greek work into a grand epic. He collected stories and rewrote the <jats:italic>Acts of Thekla</jats:italic> using methods that were similar to other Christian and non-Christian works. The author employed classicizing language and allusions to Homer and other ancient writers in order to convey the high status he deemed appropriate to the story. Like other Christian works, the author rewrote scripture as a way of reinforcing and updating its importance. Through these stylistic features, the <jats:italic>Life and Miracles</jats:italic> conveys an appreciation for literary education and suggests a context in which reading, writing, and devotion were mutually reinforcing.</jats:p>

Research on Text Value and Linguistic Characteristics in Ancient Literature Based on Text Mining Technology

“…Literature [15] describes how literary discourse, based on its historical and cultural specificity and highly particularized language use, reflects the contextual nature of cognition itself, and therefore, the literary archive belongs to the cognitive archive in another sense. Literature [16] describes the life of Tekla and his work Life and Wonders, which expresses an appreciation of literary education and points out that reading, writing, and devotion go hand in hand. Literature [17] examines the close relationship between literature and the humanities and people's daily lives, pointing out that the literary elements around daily life can lead to an understanding of literature.…”