Sanguis versus Cruor in Seneca’s and Shakespeare’s Tragedies. An Etymological Perspective
Sanguis versus Cruor in Seneca’s and Shakespeare’s Tragedies. An Etymological Perspective

Summary/Abstract: Propensity for murder co-exists, by virtue of the conflict of opposites, with the need of perpetuating the human race. This etymological study, illustrated with examples from Seneca’s and Shakespeare’s tragedies, reveals the dual nature of blood that symbolises not only the positive aspects of life – sanguis, but also man’s negative inclinations which lead, through the act of killing, to cruor (gore), the proof of murder itself.

• Details
• Contents