Chapter VIII: The Influence of the Model Summary and Analysis

One of the most notable features of Medieval and Renaissance literature is how permeated they are with the theories of astronomy, biology, and religion, which were current in their time. Writers seem to, at times, go to exorbitant lengths to tie in astrology to a tale which, it seems, would be well enough without it. Others go into enormous digressions about free will or even insert enormous catalogs about the various kinds of beasts which exist in the world. To the modern reader, this style of writing is surely puzzling. However, if one understands the Medieval worldview, and more importantly the Medieval attitude towards the Medieval worldview, then this literary pattern becomes more understandable. In short, the Medieval was enamored with the world in which he believed he lived...