Che Fai? Che Pensi? Che Pur Dietro Guardi
The poem explores the speaker's introspection and self-doubt, questioning their own actions, thoughts, and motivations. The speaker appears to be in a state of turmoil, unsure of their intentions and the consequences of their actions. They seem to be searching for answers within themselves, but are unable to find clarity or direction.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1344 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Lyric Poetry · 197 words
First lines
HE ENCOURAGES HIS SOUL TO LIFT ITSELF TO GOD, AND TO ABANDON THE / VANITIES OF EARTH.
What dost thou? think'st thou? wherefore bend thine eye / Back on the time that never shall return? / The raging fire, where once 'twas thine to burn, / Why with fresh fuel, wretched soul, supply? / Those thrilling tones, those glances of the sky, / Which one by one thy fond verse strove to adorn, / Are fled; and -- well thou knowest, poor forlorn! -- / To seek them here were bootless industry.
Then toil not bliss so fleeting to renew; / To chase a thought so fair, so faithless, cease: / Thou rather that unwavering good pursue, / Which guides to heaven; since nought below can please.
What this Textopian page supports
Che Fai? Che Pensi? Che Pur Dietro Guardi is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1344 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Francesco Petrarca
- Date: 1344 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Meditative Poetry, Romantic Poetry
- Length: 197 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Che Fai? Che Pensi? Che Pur Dietro Guardi by Francesco Petrarca
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
- Or Hai Fatto L Estremo Di Tua Possa by Francesco Petrarca
- In Dubbio Di Mio Stato Or Piango Or Canto by Francesco Petrarca
- Il Mal Mi Preme E Mi Spaventa Il Peggio by Francesco Petrarca
- Anima Che Diverse Cose Tante by Francesco Petrarca
- I Vo Piangendo I Miei Passati Tempi by Francesco Petrarca
- Datemi Pace O Duri Miei Pensieri by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work encourages spiritual reflection and the pursuit of divine over earthly desires.
- Philosophical Poetry — It explores themes of existence, the nature of beauty, and the futility of earthly pursuits.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal and emotional expression of the speaker's inner thoughts and feelings is central to the work.
- Meditative Poetry — The poem reflects a contemplative tone, urging the soul to seek higher truths.
Tags
Italian Literature · Renaissance Poetry · Philosophical Musings · Self-Reflection · Moral Guidance · Spiritual Quest · Medieval Thought · Christian Influence · Allegorical Writing · Symbolic Imagery · Lyrical Prose · Personal Growth
More by Francesco Petrarca
- Fifteen sonnets of Petrarch (1350)
- Voi, Ch' Ascoltate in Rime Sparse Il Suono (1343)
- Per Far Una Leggiadra Sua Vendetta (1343)
- Era 'L Giorno Ch' Al Sol Si Scoloraro (1343)
- Quel Ch' Infinita Providenza Ed Arte (1343)
- Quand' Io Movo I Sospiri a Chiamar Voi (1344)
- Si Traviato E 'L Folle Mio Desio (1343)
- La Gola E 'L Sonno E L' Oziose Piume (1344)
- All works by Francesco Petrarca