ABSTRACT
The many uses of rhetoric in the Middle Ages offer penetrating insights into the creative process. The lack of biographical information on Robert Henryson makes it impossible to establish precise relationships with specific rhetorics, but medieval rhetoric shapes the sens and matiere of his verse. The ars dictaminis is, as James J. Murphy has argued, one of the most truly medieval forms of rhetoric. The Ciceronian emphasis which dominated political rhetoric of the Middle Ages clearly helped this rhetorical school to sharpen its approaches to issues of state. The marriage of Ciceronian rhetorical principles with the extended appeal of Christianity to members of all social classes and all levels of understanding created a need for heightened awareness of audience ability. The major traditions of medieval rhetoric undoubtedly influenced Henryson's works, even without leaving direct and specific references in his poetry. Examining the analogues and potential influences of major traditions on Henryson's verse can provide insights into his creative thinking.
