Structure and Symbolism in the "Estoire d’Atile en prose"

Abstract

This essay discusses and analyzes the narrative structure of the Estoire d’Atile en prose and its possible meanings and symbolisms, expanding on the Introduction to the edition of the text. I suggest that the text connects the origin of Venice to the biblical story: as Abraham’s wife, Sarah, fulfilled God’s promise and gave birth to Israel, both as the Promised Land and the Chosen People, Queen Sarah of Padua is the mother of the city of Venice and, metaphorically, of the Venetians, projecting the origin of the city to a higher and allegorical level.