Tolle, Lege. Part I

Fra, Angelico. The Conversion of St. Augustine. 15th century.

Perhaps the most memorable line in Augustine's Confessions, maybe in all of Western Literature, is the line which Augustine hears proceeding from the mouth of a babe: "Tolle. Lege." These simple Latin imperatives are the words that bring Augustine to conversion. "Out of the mouth of babe Thou has ordained strength and praise." So we see Psalm 8 fulfilled in the conversion of St. Augustine. Consider Fra's depiction of this monumental moment. Consider the juxtaposition of persons with landscape. Consider the pathos in posture. What kind of sentiment is conveyed? Why is such pathos important.

Agenda:

1. Pater noster
2. Read Confessions silently. 
3. Review and discuss quiz from yesterday. 
1. Take notes. 
4. Review HW:
1. Confessions Essay
2. Study for Confessions Quiz next week.
3. Read Books X - XI by Friday (9/15)