By this point in time many people were able to read, although the words fell flat on the page. Hence the need for the storyteller remained necessary within Medieval society, telling a story would breath life into it, create personalities for characters or force settings to intrude one's own reality for a short time, that is if the storyteller performed the job well. To tell or perform a good story or to carry on decent conversation was considered by to be the highest form of civility.
It was believed that one could be an excellent writer but a a terrible storyteller. Members of the medieval society felt that if an individual was unable to enact in decent conversation then you were not intelligent. Thus the reason for conversation as the highest form of civility. The Renaissance Man possessed all these qualities, he was well versed in current affairs, amusing, and quick on his feet. It is a phrase we continue to utilize today when we consider an individual to be well rounded.
Bethany, thanks for the information about the Renaissance man. It makes me want to travel in time and converse with them. I think that some of these beliefs are still pertinent in today's world; mainly the assumption that a person can be a good writer and a bad storyteller. I have experienced this personally by attending the English Dept.'s Visiting Writers Series. There have been some amazing writers, whose work I admire and have come to read, but their delivery was lack luster and close to boring. If only there were more Renaissance Men in the world today. We should make it the new 'in' thing. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat essay, Bethany! It seems to me that the quirks of the Renaissance man (or woman) are not important to people in today's society. More emphasis is placed on the "skilled worker." Consequently, degrees in the humanities are viewed as easy or unworthy. However, being well-rounded is necessary, as the Renaissance man (or woman) can adapt to almost any context. This means that a degree in arts=150 different kinds of jobs and a 2 year degree in radiologic technology=1 kind of job. Moreover, the Renaissance man (or woman) will be more interesting to people, will be able to communicate effectively, and will be a well-rounded person (which means he/she will be educated, not taught a specific skill!). We should make it the new "in" thing!
ReplyDeleteI like this essay Bethany because I can relate! I have personally experienced many individuals tell bad stories during social relations, where I viewed them as scattered brain, lacking intellect, and uneducated. The funny part is these individuals were educated, but they were not cautious or aware of their intended audience’s reactions of verbal and nonverbal communication or not well rounded. I like how you included in the second paragraph the high importance of telling and performing a good story or to carry on a decent conversation. I believe in today’s world many people lack and are careless of how they communicate to others and are only focused on one’s needs versus effectively communicating and being cautious of others reactions. By practicing this emphasis of “The Renaissance Man,” many people may find bliss during work, family, and social relations. In addition, by learning to possess these qualities, this may open doors for people during any relation because others may view them in a different manner just like “The Renaissance Man.” I have to carry on these qualities in my career because I have to cold call, establish long-term business relationships, and hopefully get a contract sent to me based on my persona. We should make it the new “in” thing.
ReplyDeleteBethany,
ReplyDeleteYou brought up a good point about being well versed in current affairs. I think that point is lost on a lot of story tellers. They keep up with their skills, but seem to neglect the additional content needed to grow with their stories. The current affairs conversations seem to be a challenge for some people, and that can separate the crowds. Even today, we consider those able to discuss current affairs with ease and understanding to be more intelligent than those who are not, either because they are ignorant of such things or unable to express themselves thoughtfully.
I want to see more examples of what you're talking about. Who are contemporary figures who strike you as being close to the Renaissance ideal of perfection? Do we have figures who are great storytellers, but not really well-rounded thinkers? What are the potential downfalls of such figures being idolized in our culture?
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