Donkey

This is the first in-depth study of Apuleius ́ Metamorphoses to look at the different attitudes characters adopt towards magic as a key to deciphering the complex dynamics of the entire work. The variety of responses to magic is unveiled in the narrative as the protagonist Lucius encounters an assortment of characters, either in embedded tales or in the main plot. A contextualized approach illuminates Lucius ́ relatively good fortune when compared to other characters in the novel - this results from his involvement with the magic of a sorcerer ́s apprentice, rather than that of a real witch, and signals the possibility of eventual salvation. A careful investigation of Lucius ́ attitude towards Isis in book 11 and his relationship with the witch-slave girl Photis earlier on suggests that the novel ́s final book may be read as a second ""Metamorphoses"", consciously rewritten from a positive perspective. Last but not least, the book also breaks new ground by examining the narrative structure of the Metamorphoses against the background of the typical plotline found in the ideal romance. The comparison shows how Apuleius both follows and alters this plot, exploiting the genre to his own specific ends, in keeping with his central theme of metamorphosis. Though donkeys have historically been among our most useful domesticated animals—from plowing fields to navigating difficult terrain—they have been much maligned in popular culture and given very little respect. So much so, that their perceived qualities of stupidity and stubbornness have made their way into the language of insult. But in Donkey , Jill Bough champions this humble creature, proving that after 10,000 years of domestication, this incredibly hard-working animal deserves our appreciation. Bough reveals the animal's historic significance in Ancient Egypt, where it was once highly regarded—even worshipped. However, this elevated status did not endure in Ancient Greece and Rome, where donkeys were denigrated, ridiculed, and abused. Since that time, donkeys have continued to be associated with the poorest and most marginalized in human societies. All that time and all over the world, donkeys continue to be used for innumerable tasks, and even today, donkeys are considered to be one of the best draught animals in developing nations, where they continue to make a vital contribution. Bough rounds out her account with a look at the variety of social, cultural, and religious meanings that donkeys have embodied, especially in literature and art. With accounts that are both fascinating and touching, this cultural history of the donkey will inspire a new respect and admiration for this essential creature. Donkey Cover; Imprint page; Contents; Introduction; 1. Equus asinas: Origins, Domestication, Breeds and Characteristics; 2. Donkeys in Human History, Mythology and Religion; 3. Donkeys and Mules Colonize the Americas, Australia and South Africa; 4. Donkeys and Mules at War; 5. Donkeys in Literature, Film and Art; Timeline of the Donkey; References; Select Bibliography; Associations and Websites; Acknowledgements; Photo Acknowledgements; Index.;Though donkeys have historically been among our most useful domesticated animals-from plowing fields to navigating difficult terrain-they have been much maligned in popular culture and given very little respect. So much so, that their perceived qualities of stupidity and stubbornness have made their way into the language of insult. But in Donkey , Jill Bough champions this humble creature, proving that after 10,000 years of domestication, this incredibly hard-working animal deserves our appreciation. Bough reveals the animal's historic significance in Ancient Egypt, where it was once h. Review text: " ... il volume può essere ritenuto un utile punto di partenza per nouve riletture dell' affascinante universio narrativo apuleiano."Marco Onorato in: Bolletino di Studi latini 1/2009 "Cette étude globale sur les différentes attitudes adoptées vis-a-vis de l'univers de la magie et de la sphère du divin offre une bonne synthèse des travaux précédents et dévoile, grâce à la subtilité de certaines comparaisons, quelques aspects encore cachés d'un texte dont la richesse et la complexité ne sont pas encore épuisées."Géraldine Puccini-Delbey in: Revue des Études Latines 86/2008. This is the first in-depth study of Apuleius' Metamorphoses to juxtapose the different attitudes towards magic adopted by Lucius and other characters, either in embedded tales or in the main plot, as a key to deciphering the complex dynamics of the work. The contextualized approach pursued in this study further suggests that the novel's final book may be read as a second Metamorphoses, rewritten from a positive perspective. The book breaks new ground by examining the narrative structure of the Metamorphoses against the background of the typical plotline found in the ideal romance. Donkeys have historically been among our most useful domesticated animals--from plowing fields to navigating difficult terrain; however, they have been much maligned in popular culture and given very little respect. Jill Bough champions this humble creature, proving that after 10,000 years of domestication, this incredibly hard-working animal deserves our appreciation. With accounts that are both fascinating and touching, this cultural history of the donkey will inspire a new respect and admiration for this essential creature.