An Ascent of Realizations

             Petrarch's telling of his Ascent of Mount Ventoux  is a meaningful narrative, that on the surface was the author's journey climbing Mount Ventoux, and telling his father of this journey. As you read about his ascent though, he lets the reader, his father, in on his thoughts that relate to the events he is in. I think, even if one hasn't been to the top of Mount Ventoux, the feeling of being on top of the world and realizing things about your own life is something many can relate to. Any time you are in a historical location you feel a connection to that time and the people who were there. The author realizes that it seemed a mystical mountain when you think about it in ancient times, but it becomes human when you are there in the present. The author feels as though it is underwhelming. Seeing things from the past and trying to seeing how they fit into your own life; looking at something that ancient civilizations saw and realizing it is the same, they are the same as you.

             What I think is important to highlight is that the author is speaking to his father, taking him through his journey and reflections. He ends by asking his father to pray for him; “and I beseech you, in turn, to pray that these vague and wandering thoughts of mine may sometime become firmly fixed, and, ...may direct themselves at last toward the single, true, certain, and everlasting good.” He acknowledges that he is having all of these consequential ideas, but hopes he can turn them into broad lessons for many others. I think this is something we all hope for ; To leave an everlasting impression on the world and to do, in our short time, something good.

               This story follows the criteria of a narrative. It is a story of the author climbing a mountain and also the thoughts and realizations he has on his journey. The author has structured this essay as a letter to his father. Is is read very similar to a detailed journal entry. Beginning with his motivation and why he wanted to climb the mountain in the first place. His preparation, focusing on who he will climb with. In each paragraph he makes a point to share a thought he had with that coincides with the event taking place such as with finding a climbing companion, he realizes “so rarely do we meet with just the right combination of personal tastes and characteristics,even among those who are dearest to us.”  As a narrative often does, this essay follows the important life event of this author. He uses this event to find the deeper, important meanings of life.

Petrarch, Fransesco. The Ascent of Mount Ventoux. Digital image. Medieval Sourcebook: Petrarch: The Ascent of Mount Ventoux. Internet Medieval Source Book, 28 Aug. 09. Web. 1 Oct. 16.