A Stormy Debate
Abstract This article aims at a better understanding of the trial scene in Longus’ novel Daphnis and Chloe (2.12-19). It argues that Longus capitalises on contemporary rhetorical debates to elaborate on his own literary project. The insertion in Philetas’ verdict of a debated point (the storm) in stasis-theory aims at underlining the discrepancy between the means of persuasion mastered by an uneducated cowherd and by an educated reader. This allows a reflection on the incidence of the displacement of an elite social practice, the trial, into the rustic world of Daphnis and Chloe. This displacement is further emphasised in the trial itself by the juxtaposition of two speeches, one that is artificially simple (the Methymnaians’), and another naturally simple (that of Daphnis). Through this, Longus promotes his own stylistic project. I eventually contend that this scene explores the notion of credibility within Longus’ fictional world.