Jerome's Epistula Prima

Jerome wrote Epistula prima probably during the decade of 366–376. Little is known about this stage in his life, but it was apparently then that as a young man he became interested asceticism and at end period time finally decided to become monk. However, ascetic ideas are not main theme Ep. 1. The letter tells story falsely accused woman who subjected torture survived seven strokes executioner’s sword. way which interprets presents these events reflects spiritual profile aesthetic preferences. text can be interpreted both (a ‘real’ or ‘fictional’ one) with an embedded narrative non-epistolary work dedicatory preface. This affects reader responds introduction (where Jerome’s anxiety concerning imperfection style expressed) well her right assess subsequent narrative. None approaches eliminates duality text’s structure. Therefore, should on two following levels: epistolary speculum animi, shows situation undertaking task writing narrative, another, literary speculum, author’s soul by means artistic expression.