Magische und ästhetische Affekterzeugung im französischen Schäferspiel um 1600

Abstract

The paper aims to explore and explain the dynamics of magical and aesthetic generating of affects in their historicity and genre-specific conditionality using the example of the French pastorale at the beginning of the 17th century. In accordance with the leading thesis, magic, that is still firmly anchored in early modern thought, provides, on the inner dramatic level, a historical explanatory pattern for the conclusion and dissolution of affective relationships between characters. According to the second thesis, on a theatrical level, the spectacle functions as ‘stage magic’ to produce the affects of wonder and admiration and thus as a catalyst of aesthetic pleasure for the spectators who find themselves confirmed in their baroque world view.