Metafore animali, suoni onomatopeici e proverbi in alcune orazioni kata archonton di Libanio

Abstract

The work is presented as a reading tool aimed at analysing the relationship between signifier and signified in the animal metaphors in the orations of Libanius of Antioch. Greek man in animals isolated psychological manifestations in which he recognised his own. A prominent place was occupied by animals 'symbolic' of positive or negative qualities. Several such symbolic figures appear in Libanius' writing: the wolf is an animal-symbol, which emerges above all other animal metaphors due to the variability of its referents (from the governor to members of the claque) .