Klang und Affekt im spanischen Barocktheater: Eco y Narciso

Abstract

The story of Narcissus, consumed by his own image, is introduced by the blind Tiresias in Ovid's narrative. Tiresias, punished with blindness by the goddess Juno, confirms Jupiter's opinion that women experience greater sexual desire, drawing from his experience as both a man and a woman. Tiresias prophesies to the newborn Narcissus that he will live to old age if he does not recognize himself. Shortly thereafter, we accompany Narcissus on a stroll through the forest and encounter the story of Echo. Echo, cursed by Juno to only repeat the last words spoken to her, had entertained Juno with lengthy tales to allow time for nymphs to escape Jupiter's escapades. The narrative of Echo and Narcissus is framed by two main motifs: the conflict over emotions and desires, and the resulting punishments of sensory loss, both blindness and loss of articulation. Hearing and sight are heavily impaired within this emotional constellation.