Didaxe und Natur

By virtue of a shift in the perception of nature, notably influenced by an increasing reception of Aristotle in the medieval West, the 13th century can be described as a period of transition. To put it simply, in addition to understanding natural elements as signs to be interpreted in regard to the history of salvation, the perception of nature can also be characterised by a growing 'empiricism'. At the same time, the 13th century is a time that is influenced by a rise in vernacular literature, and in particular, by an increased emergence of didactic literature. This is exactly where the study positions itself, asking about the literary representation of nature and its instrumentalisation for the dissemination of knowledge. On the one hand, the analysis is about the various textualisation strategies with which nature is verbalised, and on the other hand, it considers the matter of knowledge systems which come together in its textualisation. Talking about nature is thus understood as a practice that allows for a dynamic amalgamation of various discourses and thereby itself produces both knowledge and reality. The study, at the same time, also poses the overarching question of what space literature can offer to orchestrate, alter or even enable speaking and thinking about nature in the first place.
A considerable didactic work from the late 13th century, Hugo von Trimberg's RENNER is the focus of the analysis; for comparison, two further examples of 'didactic literature' are included: Thomasin von Zerklaere's Welsche Gast and Freidank's Bescheidenheit.
The text analyses make clear that - despite all the variance and variety - certain structures become recognisable, appearing as a recurring combination of particular discourse combinations with distinct textualisation strategies. It thus becomes apparent that the role of nature does not simply follow the triad of figurative speech, presentiveness and instruction. With its textualization, the gaze can be led through nature to the Creator or - as if reflected from a mirror - thrown back on the recipient; at the same time, the gaze is repeatedly directed towards nature itself and its elements, such as animals and plants. Through language, images of nature can be conceived and a perception of (extra-literary) nature can be formed. Moreover, by integrating references to nature within the space of literature, the functionalities of language and knowledge dissemination themselves can be thematised.