This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Describe aspects of Castiglione's image of l'uomo universale. What will be an ideal ... (Read 208 times)

LCritchfi

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 519
Describe aspects of Castiglione's image of l'uomo universale.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

The beginnings of the Renaissance can be found in which of the following?
 
  A. Florence
  B. Classical humanism
  C. Petrarch
  D. All these answers are correct.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

leahm14

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 322
Answer to Question 1

Baldassare Castiglione's The Book of the Courtier, focuses on the qualifications of the ideal Renaissance man and woman. Inspired by a series of conversations that had taken place among a group of sixteenth-century aristocrats, the text arrives at a consensus that affords the image of l'uomo universale: the well-rounded person. Representative also of the shift from medieval to modern values is Castiglione's preoccupation with manners rather than morals; that is, with how individuals act and how their actions may impress their peers, rather than with the intrinsic moral value of those actions.
This Renaissance man should master all the skills of the medieval warrior and display the physical proficiency of a champion athlete. But he also must possess the refinements of a humanistic education. He must know Latin and Greek (as well as his own native language), be familiar with the Classics, speak and write well, and be able to compose verse, draw, and play a musical instrument. Moreover, all that the Renaissance gentleman does, he should do with an air of nonchalance and grace, a quality summed up in the Italian word sprezzatura. This unique combination of breeding and education would produce a cultured individual to serve a very special end: the perfection of the state.
The Renaissance woman should also have a knowledge of letters, music, and art but in no way should she violate that soft and delicate tenderness that is her defining quality. Castiglione's peers agreed that in her ways, manners, words, gestures, and bearing, a woman ought to be very unlike a man. Just as the success of the courtier depends on his ability to influence those who rule, the success of the lady rests with her skill in entertaining the male members of the court.

Answer to Question 2

D





 

Did you know?

Elderly adults are living longer, and causes of death are shifting. At the same time, autopsy rates are at or near their lowest in history.

Did you know?

Though the United States has largely rejected the metric system, it is used for currency, as in 100 pennies = 1 dollar. Previously, the British currency system was used, with measurements such as 12 pence to the shilling, and 20 shillings to the pound.

Did you know?

Women are two-thirds more likely than men to develop irritable bowel syndrome. This may be attributable to hormonal changes related to their menstrual cycles.

Did you know?

Vaccines cause herd immunity. If the majority of people in a community have been vaccinated against a disease, an unvaccinated person is less likely to get the disease since others are less likely to become sick from it and spread the disease.

Did you know?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in overdose can seriously damage the liver. It should never be taken by people who use alcohol heavily; it can result in severe liver damage and even a condition requiring a liver transplant.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library