Petrarch's Secret; or, the Soul's Conflict with Passion by Francesco Petrarca

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About this eBook

Author Petrarca, Francesco, 1304-1374
Translator Draper, William H., 1855-1933
LoC No. 12003826
Uniform Title Secretum. English
Title Petrarch's Secret; or, the Soul's Conflict with Passion
Three Dialogues Between Himself and S. Augustine
Credits Produced by Marc D'Hooghe
Summary "Petrarch's Secret; or, the Soul's Conflict with Passion" by Francesco Petrarca is a philosophical dialogue written in the 14th century. The text comprises a series of three dialogues between Petrarch and Saint Augustine, delving into themes of human nature, desire, and the inner conflicts of the soul. It explores the dichotomy between earthly passions and the pursuit of spiritual truth, making it not only a literary piece but also a psychological inquiry into the human condition. The opening of "Petrarch's Secret" reveals a deeply introspective Petrarch engaging in an enlightening conversation with Saint Augustine about the nature of human suffering and the inevitability of death. The dialogue begins with Augustine urging Petrarch to confront his mortality and recognize the futility of clinging to transient pleasures. Their discourse unfolds with Petrarch expressing his emotional struggle and desire for liberation from his burdens, while Augustine, through pointed questions, challenges him to see his reality with clarity. This initial exchange sets the stage for a profound exploration of the conflict between worldly desires and the pursuit of higher truths, encapsulating the themes of introspection and moral urgency that resonate throughout the work. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PQ: Language and Literatures: Romance literatures: French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
Subject Christian fiction
Subject Christian saints -- Fiction
Subject Imaginary conversations
Subject Dialogues, Latin (Medieval and modern) -- Translations into English
Subject Dialogues
Subject Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo -- Fiction
Subject Hippo (Extinct city) -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 49450
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Apr 4, 2024
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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