As early as ancient rhetoric metaphor and its ancillary figures promoted the development and success of various genres: from oratory to poetry, from theatre to early novels, authors were well aware of the extraordinary potential of such literary devices. In the Middle Ages and afterwards in the Renaissance metaphors were not only a sign of the tendency to emulate ancient works but they also played a role in the question of whether or not poetry, and literature in general, had to be interpreted literally or allegorically.

The aim of this session is to look at texts that capitalize on metaphors in theory or in practice throughout the Renaissance in any European literatures. Possible topics comprise, but are not limited to:

– Theoretical treatises and commentaries that tackle the definition of metaphor and more broadly of metaphoric languages;

– Works where metaphors realize comic or satirical effects, such as comedies, novellas, and burlesque poetry;

– Works whose style and literary substance are ultimately ennobled by the employment of metaphors, to wit tragedies, epics, love and sacred poems.

Presentations may also address the texts in question by highlighting their respective metaphorical aura with the support of modern studies in the fields of linguistics, semiology, philosophy, and literary theory. Interested scholars can send their proposals (300 words MAX with an appropriate title) along with a brief biographical blurb, institutional affiliation, and contact information (150 words MAX) to johnny.bertolio@mail.utoronto.ca and joanne.granata@utoronto.ca by January 5th, 2017. The panel will be then proposed to the Canadian Society for Renaissance Studies.