The Persona of the Preacher in Bernard of Clairvaux

Abstract

This article discusses the way Bernard of Clairvaux introduces himself as preacher in his own work. To demonstrate this process M. B. Pranger take as his point of departure Erich Auerbach's definition of figura. Whereas Auerbach's concept of figura is still characterized by a certain degree of bipolarity (foreshadowing versus fulfilment) Bernard's persona of the preacher, in Pranger's view, is based on full reciprocity between the scriptural facts he is preaching about and his own handling of those details including his self-identification with biblical persons and facts. The thesis of this paper is illustrated with the help of passages from Bernard's sermons on the Ascension and the Resurrection.