Φεῦγε τάχιστα: struttura e motivi dei Carmi κατὰ τοῦ πονηροῦ di Gregorio di Nazianzo (II,1,54-60)

Abstract

This article aims to examine the structure of seven short poems by Gregory of Nazianzus (carm. 2.1.54-60), focused on a complaint against the devil. These poems are articulated in three parts: an incipit, where the poet evokes the demon and condemns his presence; a central part, that depicts the disrupting effects of the demoniac assaults; an epilogue, centred on the exorcism, in order to throw the devil out. The second part of the article is devoted to a comparison between carm. 2.1.54-60 and the form of classical hymns: Gregory's deprecationes seem to follow the same scheme adopted to compose prayers. An appendix shows how this approach can be useful also to prove that carm. 2.1.55 and 2.1.60 are likely to be respectively the conflation of two shorter poems