50th International Congress on Medieval Studies - Call for Papers

"Representations of Friendship in Medieval Italian Literature"

Deadline for Abstract Submissions: September 1, 2014

In the Vita Nuova, Dante refers to Guido Cavalcanti as "primo de li miei amici," and in novellas I.2 and IV.9 of the Decameron the underlining theme is the friendship between the main characters. What are the virtues of friendship which caused Aristotle to consider it necessary for life, or inspired Cicero's view that friendship is more than a philosophical idea, but is a lived experience? How do medieval Italian writers treat the politics of friendship?

This panel will present essays which examine the trope of amicizia as it is represented in medieval Italian literature, exploring the ethics of friendship, as well as the natural tension which is inherent in a friendship.  

Papers must not exceed 20 minutes in length and may be delivered in English or Italian.

Please send abstracts (maximum 250 words) to Alfred R. Crudale at [email protected], or Kristina Olson at [email protected]. In the subject line please write "Medieval Congress Abstract".

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Alfred R. Crudale, Ph.D.
Professor of Italian
University of Rhode Island
Swan Hall, 144
[email protected]