Abstract

Through a use of Blumenberg's metaphorology and of the most recent historical and hermeneutical approaches (from Schiera and Rigotti to Esposito), the author reads the metaphors of XVIIth century historiography on Masaniello's revolt. Nature-authority and infringement are the two paradigms of metaphorologic language in this case; where infringement is physiological, necessary, legitimate (especially in the first historic account of the revolt) or pathological (as in the subsequent accounts). More specifically, in the case of the metaphors on Masaniello - furious and ridiculous "mostrum" - his transfiguration drives out all fear of the revolt and strips the leader of any heroic trait.