Generatio(n): The Concept of Genealogy as a Form of Cultural Mobilization in Francis Meres’ Honouring of Shakespeare...
Generatio(n): The Concept of Genealogy as a Form of Cultural Mobilization in Francis Meres’ Honouring of Shakespeare...

Summary/Abstract: This article analyses how the English Renaissance used the concept of genealogy in order to bridge the abyss of time between the Antiquity and Renaissance’s culture. The investigation takes texts into account that describe and evaluate the generic foundation of English literature by drawing a diagram of the relations of genres as well as authors and starting with the classical origin. The texts by Philip Sidney, Francis Meres, and Ben Jonson depict a self-concept of cultural heritage and achievements which apparently suggests continuity, tradition and stability. At the same time, the concept of genealogy offers cultural mobilization and flexibility as it is used as a strategy to justify and support cultural transfer of cultural schema, material and ideas.

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