Pierres, flèches, cigales, princes et principes : Gilles de Rome à propos des métaphores (politiques)

Abstract

In this article, we are going to expose the theory

and the classification of metaphores that Giles of

Rome puts forward in his commentary on Aristotle’s

Rhetoric (1272-73). Giles works out his theory of four

types of metaphor as interpretive reaction to the suggestions

and examples that he could read in the latin translation

of Aristotle’s Rhetoric, but were frequently obscure

and misleading. In his De regimine we find the application

of only one type of metaphor, i.e. similitude (assmilatio

or metaphora secundum analogiam). Many of these

similitudes are grounded on the idea that there exists a

basic unity in the universe, for instance beween the natural

domain and the human society: this unity allows us to

apply the same principles to both domaines, interpreting

their dynamics in analogous ways. As a consequence, the

disciplines that deal with nature, human beings and their

societies follows parallel paths: for him ars is literally the

imitatrix naturae. In his commentary on Aristotle’s

Rhetoric we can also read interpretations of pseudoproverbs

and of asteia (elegant or puzzling words and expressions)

which indicate Giles’ early propension to reflect

on the political and ethical domains.