Il tema del digiuno in due poeti coevi del Mediterraneo tardoantico: Prudenzio e Paolino di Nola

The paper aims to examine the theme of fasting in the hymns VII and VIII of Prudentius’ Cathemerinon and in Paulinus Nolanus’ works (in particular the poems 23; 27 and the letters 15; 17; 22; 23; 26; 29; 38; 44). The analysis of selected passages highlights the importance that both writers attribute to the practice of fasting, in its Christian values as an act of purification of the spirit, of approach to God, of atonement of sins or as preventive measure against them. Prudentius and Paulinus have in common the choice, made at an advanced stage of their existence, to pursue more authentically Christian purposes, by retiring from secular life: in this ideal of consecration of one’s life to Christ − albeit it was carried out in different forms and modalities − and of one’s literary activity, the ascetic practices, including fasting, constitute a means to achieve salvation and communion with God. Especially Paulinus, who carries out an explicitly monastic project in Nola’s area, insists more rigorously on fasting and on the practice of a strict diet.