Greek vs Medieval
Posted by Janette K on February 28, 1998 at 02:09:36:
In response to Mr. Emerson: Romantic or chauvinist, written by Kay on February 26, 1998 at 09:46:30
] "I can reach you no other way. You must marry or your life will be wasted."
I don't know about his views at other times, but in this story, EMF draws a contrast between the Greek ideal - naked bodies, celebration of the physical, and fruitfulness - and the Medieval ideal - clothes, asceticism, and celibacy (with the consequence: barreness). He comes right out and says that Cecil is Medieval, and I think he might call George Greek. Anyway, George definitely appears to Lucy as a living example of what Greek art celebrates when he's running around, naked and beautiful, among the trees.
So maybe Mr. Emerson's remarks arise out of the idea that people should marry, should have and enjoy sex, enjoy their bodies and the physical world (with the consequence: fruitfulness).
A Greek comedy always ended with a wedding, because a marriage brings hope for the future: a new generation.
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