Inwektywa Lucyferiusza z Calaris

Abstract

The writer of a rarely approached subject, the ugly name-calling and sarcastic affronts frequently found in ancient polemic literature, and as exemplified by excessively aggresive verbal assaults of Bishop Luciferius of Calaris (371 A.D.) directed against Emperor Constantine (337-361 A.D.) who was a supporter of Arianism. This form of inveiglement dates back to ancient days. This matter in its entirety is treated from a three-fold vantage point. Part one covers comprehensively the definitions of invectives as related to their usage in ancient times, and upon which the writer supports his opinions on the matter. An invective is an abusive expression in speech; a sustained and bitter railing and condemnation ; insulting and atrocious language; a vituperation that can be directed against people as well as against things. One of the objectives of the writer, is to point out the stupidity encompassed in inveiglement and to terminate its propagation. Part one closes with the enumeration of the types of invectives and the proponents of each type found in both the pagan and Christian literature. The second part of the treatise firstly contains a concise resume of what characterizes the writings of this Calarion. The writer then lists extensively actual terms that are employed in invective expressions intended and directed against the emperor. For the purpose of comparitive analysis, four grossly wicked sayings used in abusing others (i.e. stultissime rex, bestia, unus de aspidibus, Antichriste) and which constitute the tradition that enveloped invective for centuries, the writer discloses that these expressions have been in use at times preceding the lifetime of Bishop Luciferius and have been retained in usage for many a year after his time. These are deadly-wicked expressions used in polemics, so much that some guilt of deep hatred and brutality can be disassociated from those who resorted to the use of them. Lastly in part three, the writer presents the characteristic structure of the inveiglement of Luciferius; its pedagogical aspect; its biblical tone; its course for classification of affronts by which he forcefully can barrage the speaker with series of violent verbal attacks; its tendency to create in a systematic way strong denunciation and its inclination to disguise these invectives under a cloak of terminology.