Emoción, gesto y actio: la risa en el Ab Urbe Condita (II)

In the first part of this paper (Talia dixit 5, 2010, 1-24), we analysed the general features of those passages in which Livy used laughter as a main or underlying theme, on the basis of a series of terms (risus /ridere; inridere/risus // arridere) whose application could allow us to infer the general concept of this particular emotion and gesture in AVC. Once this aspect has been examined, the main goal of this paper is not only the revision of those characteristics concerning this primary “emotion” within the context of the author’s work itself, but also the comprehensive study of such texts in order to highlight the way in which Livy set both the situation and the characters, creating a certain dramatic actio from which his historiographical and literary project benefitted. Only such an analysis helps us observe the rich spectrum of nuances used by the Paduan historian. Thus, we have intended to show in this paper how Livy obtained new effects by modifying and applying rhetorical theory; how he managed to make some of his characters singularly remembered by hearers or readers thanks to a selection of topics which fitted each of his particular purposes; and finally, how he was able to relate passages in different books and contexts through specific formulas that evoked in the recipient of his work the echo and image sought. Therefore, this paper will show a number of nuances higher than previously expected, since against presumptions, the encomium (praise) in Rome still generated lights and shadows.