Rhetorical Exercises and comprehension of the Reformation: J. Micraelius’ Progymnasmata Aphthoniana

Abstract

In this article, we intend to show that Micraelius, a theologian and rhetorician, uses his manual to indoctrinate his students and provide them with rhetorical tools which will in turn allow them to become the defenders of their own doctrines. In keeping with the principles of Reformation, he uses rhetoric at the service of the Holy Scriptures. On the other hand, he distances himself from other progymnasmata manuals, since he doesn’t resort to a fully developed example, like Aphtonius, but rather provides indications that students will have to follow to carry out the suggested activity which will be performed in group and not individually.