Faut-il déprécier l’un pour valoriser l’autre ? Le mépris dans Le Fort inexpugnable de l’honneur du sexe féminin de François de Billon
“Should we denigrate one to appreciate the other? The contempt in François de Billon’s Fort inexpugnable de l’honneur du sexe féminin”

Summary/Abstract: François de Billon’s Fort inexpugnable de l’honneur du sexe féminin takes part in the “Women’s Quarrel”, revived in the 16th century, in order to defend female dignity. The contempt plays an important role in this treatise, due to its powers of persuasion which result from its place in the rhetorical scheme, the figures of speech used by the author and the themes chosen on the basis of both ancient and contemporary sources. By virtue of this approach, Billon not only indicates the popular ideas intended to harm the women’s reputation, but also directs his criticism and mockery at the philosophers or writers – including those of the Renaissance period – who adhere blindly to these slanderous allegations and who spread them without regard to the innumerable qualities of the female sex.

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