Pity as a Political Emotion in Early Modern France

• In Event: Peace, Polemics, and Passions during the French Wars of Religion

Abstract

The rhetoric of pity is considered by classical authors mainly in the context of literature and court. Aristotle defines pity as a painful affect experienced in the face of unmerited suffering. Cicero presents sixteen loci communes that may arouse compassion. Plato's Republic forbids lamentation for it may trigger vengeful desires and endanger the stability of the polis. Pity is therefore considered as an emotion that is useless if not noxious in politics. This seems not to be the case in the 16th century France. Nevertheless, pity in early modern politics has drawn less scholarly attention than fear or hatred have. I would like to analyze appeals to pity in samples of royal eloquence, parliament discourse, and pulpit oratory. What is the role of pity in the kingdom torn apart by religious wars? Can the "community of pity" restore unity and appease rage?

Author

• Natalia Obukowicz, Uniwersytet Warszawski