Abstract

The Strife of Love in a Dream Hypnerotomachia Poliphili 1499 is a story of unrequited love It is widely believed that its author--Francesco Colonna--was a monk however there has been no interest in studying the impact of Medieval Christianity and monasticism in the novel The present investigation exposes the survival of the physiological-cognitive perspective Galen s and Avicenna s legacy in regard to amorous feelings and their literary representation through the doctrine of pneuma and to demonstrate the relevance of said knowledge in service to Christian moralizing and monastic training To such purpose a selection of passages from the book alongside with visual resources illustrations diagrams and map are presented to facilitate general access to the story and so that the understanding of the processes occurring within the inner man be emphasized