Dante Alighieri Completes 'De Vulgari Eloquentia'
Poet involved
What happened
Dante completes 'De Vulgari Eloquentia', a treatise on the Italian vernacular language, while in exile. This work argues for the legitimacy of the vernacular as a medium for serious literature, challenging the dominance of Latin. Dante's advocacy for the vernacular reflects his desire to make literature accessible to a broader audience.
Literary impact
This treatise lays the groundwork for the use of the Italian language in literature, influencing future generations of writers. Dante's commitment to the vernacular is a defining characteristic of his work, particularly in the 'Divine Comedy', which is written in Italian and serves as a cornerstone for the development of Italian literature.
Source: Wikipedia