Se Al Principio Risponde Il Fine E 'L Mezzo
The poem explores the idea that the end and middle of a journey are predetermined by its beginning. It argues that the outcome of an action is inherent in its initial stages, and that the path taken will inevitably lead to a specific conclusion. The speaker reflects on how their own life has unfolded, acknowledging that their choices have led them to where they are now.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1343 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry · 679 words
First lines
IF HIS PASSION STILL INCREASE, HE MUST SOON DIE.
If, of this fourteenth year wherein I sigh, The end and middle with its opening vie, Nor air nor shade can give me now release, I feel mine ardent passion so increase: For Love, with whom my thought no medium knows, Beneath whose yoke I never find repose, So rules me through these eyes, on mine own ill Too often turn'd, but half remains to kill.
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Se Al Principio Risponde Il Fine E 'L Mezzo is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1343 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: 1343 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry, Allegorical Poetry, Sonnet
- Length: 679 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Se Al Principio Risponde Il Fine E 'L Mezzo by Francesco Petrarca
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Se Al Principio Risponde Il Fine E 'L Mezzo?
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Similar titles
- Io Pensava Assai Destro Esser Sull Ale by Francesco Petrarca
- Se Mai Foco Per Foco Non Si Spense by Francesco Petrarca
- Io Son Dell Aspectar Omai Si Vinto by Francesco Petrarca
- Datemi Pace O Duri Miei Pensieri by Francesco Petrarca
- Amor Natura E La Bell Alma Umile by Francesco Petrarca
- Se Bianche Non Son Prima Ambe Le Tempie by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal emotion and reflection, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, passion, and existential contemplation align with Romantic ideals.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of life, death, and the human condition indicates a philosophical approach.
- Allegorical Poetry — The use of metaphors, such as the journey and the bark, suggests allegorical elements.
Tags
Italian Literature · Renaissance Poetry · Philosophical Themes · Medieval Influences · Allegorical Writing · Spiritual Quest · Self-Discovery · Moral Reflections · Christianity · Catholicism · Theology · Metaphysics
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