After today's lecture, I find myself looking around the room, pointing at objects, and finding less value in them. We learned about Plato's thoughts on the being and the becoming and all I have to say to Mr. Plato is you need to find a hobby, dude! Okay I probably wouldn't say that, I'd probably say something along the lines of, "So what is the true, ideal brownie earthquake blizzard in that perfect alternate universe?". I'd love to get to chow on that!
While Plato's ideas were riveting, I was excited to whip out Petrarch's writings and start reading away. I was sadly disappointed, however. While his mountain story, was inspiring, I couldn't help but be annoyed with how much he loved himself. He reminds me of my older brother, and that's how I envisioned this story, from the point of view of the younger brother. I can just see myself trying to tell my brother to follow me because I know the better way to get to the top, and him arrogantly not listening. So typical. Regardless, the self searching at the top of the mountain got me thinking, maybe a trek up to "C Hill" would do me some good.
As for the second Petrarch piece, I couldn't follow it. Anyone else have thoughts on that one??
I too was fascinated by the concept of the "ideal."
ReplyDeleteI very much enjoyed Petrarch's ideas in the one about him climbing the mountain. I could see the connections between the different paths he faced along with the different paths everyone faces in life. On the other hand, I didn't feel that he was too pompous and in love with himself. Although he did make a big deal of the value of humanity and a bit about his feelings and moving on.
As for the other one "To Posterity," I think that this one is mainly an autobiography telling about his life, his upbringing, and his views on the different parts of life. I felt he had some really intriguing ideas and then other times he just went on and on about the people in the courts that he knew.
This type of reading is reminding me of the good old days of AP English!!! :)
Thanks for the clarifications, Rayna! Haha and yeah they remind me of AP English too! Except at least we don't have to take little AP style quizzes on them after we're done that ask us what literary devices were used. :P
ReplyDeleteYay! No literary device quizzes!!
ReplyDeleteIt is quite true that this particular lecture set my head awhirl. Horse-ness was a big deal, having spent a lot of time with horses. It was quickly backed by, what is the perfect tree--perfect building--perfect blah blah blah. I think that's going to be my favorite part of this class: it makes me think a lot.
And, in a lot of ways, Petrarch was a jerk to his brother. Especially since he wouldn't talk headed down the mountain. Apparently, big brothers have been jerks for most of history. ;)