poetry and the whole of classic literature is not yet, by any means,
valued as it should be, and it is now incumbent upon hermenentics to
instruct us therein, and to exhibit in detail all the treasures of
classical literature to their profoundest depths. Such commentaries as
are at present written upon the ancients usually contain explanations of
isolated words, and matters which often have but a very slight
connection with the text. They consist for the most part of general
remarks on grammar, and are compiled from collectanea. Such dull and
lifeless handiwork should at least be abandoned to those who can attain
no higher standpoint of science; but the higher hermenentics must
proceed from the basis of grammatical knowledge, which is requisite in
every case, to point out in their works the genius and art of the
ancients. A correct understanding of the separate parts can only be
attained by steadily keeping in view the essential order, the
fundamental idea, and it can be proved repeatedly with regard to Hermann
that he has neglected this in his writings and commentaries, or he would
have perceived that often, in a chorus, the notes to strophe and
anti-strophe contradict each other. Pindar especially must be treated in
this way.” Lepsius then describes the law which Dissen thinks he has
found to be observed, in an analogous manner, through all the poems of
Pindar.
“I was also received very cordially,” writes Richard to his father, “by
O. Müller. He is just such a man as I had expected, and that is saying a
great deal; his whole external appearance, even, corresponded amazingly
to the idea which I had formed of him. This morning he depicted himself
most aptly in describing the Greek character. He is at the same time
earnest and vivacious, enthusiastic and calm, imaginative and lucid.
This is, of course, most applicable to the manner in which he expresses
himself in his lectures, yet his whole character is so transparently
manifested in them, especially in the first lectures on the archaeology
of art, that it is safe to draw conclusions thence as to all other
relations. He has besides an almost ideally fine figure, an expressive
countenance which exhibits real humanity, and a distinct, sonorous
voice. His lectures are almost entirely extemporaneous, as far as the
subject permits, enthusiastic, yet calm too, clear and convincing.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account