Abstract

Abstract:

A conversation with Robert ter Horst and a reprinting of his article “The True Mind of Marriage: Ironies of the Intellect in Lope’s La dama boba” inaugurate an occasional feature for the Bulletin of the Comediantes: Touchstones. This new section aims to highlight the abiding relevance of classic studies of Spanish theater and provide new points of context for scholars today. Laura Bass, book review editor, spoke with ter Horst less than two weeks before his ninety-first birthday; his daughter Eleanor ter Horst—a comparatist who studies French and German literature—provided some logistical assistance for the videoconference interview and joined the conversation at a key moment. The interview offers insights into the original spark of inspiration for ter Horst’s article on La dama boba and his broader scholarly trajectory, ongoing still today. It also conveys the author’s genial nature and ever-sharp wit. We thank the editors and publisher of Romanistisches Jahrbuch for granting us permission to reprint “The True Mind of Marriage.” The interview has been edited for concision and clarity.

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