Hermeneutic style

What is the Hermeneutic Style?

The hermeneutic style is a Latin writing technique that emerged during the medieval period, characterized by the use of unusual and arcane words derived from Greek. This style was particularly prevalent in late Roman and early medieval periods, with its roots tracing back to the second century. It was adopted as a means to demonstrate sophistication and learning, often through the extensive use of rare Greek-derived terms.

The Emergence and Spread

How did this style come into being? The hermeneutic style first appeared in Britain with Aldhelm, who was a leading exponent of this writing technique. By the tenth century, it had become nearly universal across Anglo-Saxon England.

The Influence on Latin Literature

This style was heavily influenced by Latin poetry and was dominant in later Anglo-Saxon England. It spread throughout Continental Europe, with notable proponents including Liutprand of Cremona, Eugenius Vulgarius, and Atto of Vercelli. In England, the style was popularized by French authors such as Abbo of Saint-Germain and Odo of Cluny, who were influenced by Continental Benedictine centers.

The Criticism and Controversy

Was this style universally accepted? Not quite. The hermeneutic style faced criticism from scholars like Hincmar of Rheims, who saw the practice as pretentious and lacking humility. This criticism highlighted the potential for misunderstanding or misuse of Greek-derived terms in Latin texts.

The Practice in England

In tenth-century England, writers such as Abbo and Oda were practitioners of the hermeneutic style, which was seen as a way to demonstrate English learning’s sophistication. The style remained popular until its decline in the eleventh century. A significant early example of hermeneutic Latin in England was written by an anonymous scribe called ‘Æthelstan A,’ who was influenced by Aldhelm and Hiberno-Latin works.

The Examples and Impact

What are some notable examples of the hermeneutic style? The charters of ‘Æthelstan A’ are characterized by a rich pleonastic style with literary proems, anathemas, ostentatious language and imagery, decorative rhetorical figures, elaborate dating clauses, and extensive witness lists. David Woodman translates a charter drafted by ‘Æthelstan A,’ S 416, which urges the writer to flee sinful things and strive towards a Gospel text, giving and it will be given unto you.

The Centers of Hermeneutic Writing

Documents written in this style include the Regularis Concordia, drafted by Æthelwold, and poems by Dunstan, which express a desire for spiritual growth and forgiveness. Byrhtferth’s Enchiridion includes passages condemning ignorant clerics who refuse to learn Latin, while his own writing often features solecisms due to his limited command of Latin grammar. Notable exceptions include Ealdorman Æthelweard’s eccentric and unintelligible prose in his Chronicon.

The Decline and Legacy

Why did the hermeneutic style decline? After the Norman Conquest, authors rejected the hermeneutic style, with chronicler William of Malmesbury expressing disgust at its bombastic nature. Lapidge finds this rejection disappointing and believes the style deserves closer attention due to its importance in late Anglo-Saxon culture.

The hermeneutic style, while once a hallmark of sophistication and learning, ultimately faced criticism for its pretentiousness and potential for misunderstanding. Its legacy lives on as a fascinating glimpse into the linguistic and cultural practices of medieval England, reminding us that even in writing, clarity can sometimes be more valuable than complexity.