Tacitus seHistoriaeI, 1–50: Enkele narratiewe aspekte

Abstract

Summary In this article it is maintained that, despite the scepticism of some traditional philologists, narratology does provide an effective method which can lead to a fresh interpretation of Greek and Roman historiography. The relevant narratological concepts are defined, and the theoretical framework is briefly explained. The analysis of Tacitus’ Historiae Book I, chapters 1 ‐50, provides a practical illustration. Only two textual aspects; namely time and characterisation, are discussed in the analysis. The interpretation of the results of the narratological description shows clearly that, because of Tacitus’ rhetorical training, there is a dimension to his work which cannot be fully verified from other sources. The text demands from the reader the construction of the “unwritten” text. The narratological reading brings new appreciation for the Historiae as a work with real literary merit.