From sheathed to wielded sword: About Quintilian’s doctrine on style

Abstract

For Quintilian, literary education plays a preponderant role in forming the orator, for reasons presented at the beginning of Book 8 (Prohoemium 13). One of the reasons for this can be found in the difference between loqui and eloqui. ‘Eloquent’ is applicable to the user of ornate language (ornate autem dicere proprium esse eloquentis). The modern translation of the term ornatus, a key‑word in Quintilian’s doctrine of style, has lost sight of its original meaning, which tended to emphasize the link with arms and warfare, rather than with adornments and literary beauty.
The article aims to rethink the notions of ornatus and perspicuitas, concluding
that Quintilian’s doctrine of style is far more than an issue of literary aesthetics. Its main focus is persuasion.

http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2183-1718_66_13