Glimpses of Joy in Byzantine Literature

This chapter explores the polysemy of emotional language in Byzantine literature, focusing on the bodily expressions of joy—ranging from dance to tears—and the tension between spiritual and worldly emotions. Contrary to the stereotype of Byzantium as a joyless culture, the author demonstrates how joy occupies a complex, morally nuanced space shaped by religious, rhetorical, and ascetic frameworks. The study highlights the need for a systematic analysis of the lexicon and expressive modalities of joy, within a cultural context deeply shaped by Scripture, ancient philosophy, and monastic spirituality. Particular attention is given to how emotional meaning varies across genres and contexts.