Oreste e Antigone alla sbarra: declinazioni retoriche di processi tragici nelle «Declamationes minores»

Abstract

The essay analyses the relationship between scholastic rhetoric and classical theatre. Some examples of rhetorical exercises on the mythical paradigms of Orestes and Antigone show that the literary heritage is fertile food for thought: the historical and social context is different, but teachers and students can reflect on the relationship between ethics and law. Mythical frames are always relevant and vital: this evidence can be found in a school classroom that reproduces the practice of law and forces students to debate ethical and domestic issues.