Another was the extraordinary wit and richness of the Medieval Cycle Drama. Still another was the central importance of understanding the usage that Shakespeare made of two under-appreciated techniques: the rhythmic possibilities of blank verse and the technique of embedded stage directions.
But the most interesting topic was the monumental impact of the Renaissance on all aspects of western intellectual life. So, to me, the renaissance was an intellectual challenge that might prove a revelation and an example to my students.
I suppose, in my own arrogance, that gave the topic a kind of professorial zeal for me. I saw that quite a few of them began to view the world of art, sculpture, music etc. I did an enormous amount of research and I enjoyed doing it, particularly prizing those portions that brought humour and oddity to the story; maintaining interest. History, art, philosophy, classical wisdom, architecture, politics and more.
What could be better. Except β¦. Except that, in a number of ways I had it wrong. I was educated and trained that all things Renaissance were from Italy and more than that, Florence. The Florentines, in fact, invented the Renaissance, which is the same as saying that they invented the modern world β not, of course, an unmixed good. Florence was a turning-point, and this is what often troubles the reflective sort of visitor today the feeling that a terrible mistake was committed here, at some point between Giotto and Michelangelo, a mistake that had to do with power and megalomania, or gigantism of the human ego.
All set the origins and first stages of the Renaissance in Florence. All made their pilgrimages there β as did I β and were transfixed by the beauty and the daring. From Giotto to Michelangelo, it was all there, presided over by the Medici.
