Gesellschaftsordnung, Mentalität und Schriftsprache im Barock

Abstract

This paper discusses striking, ‘bizarre’ features of textual design and language use in the Baroque period. These features include high complexity, prolixity, conspicuous formulas of politeness, indirectness, mixing of style levels, and the extensive use of a ‘squiggly’ script and other typographic devices. The perspective of social history and history of mentality is used to explain these phenomena. In particular, this paper reflects the influence of the estates in society and the role of confessional differences.