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Allusion
Explanation and Analysis—St. Thomas Aquinas:
Thomas Aquinas was an Italian Dominican friar, theologian, and philosopher who is most famous for writing five key arguments in favor of God's existence. In Chapter 5, Part 1, Stephen quotes St. Thomas Aquinas:
— What the beautiful is is another question. —
He [the dean] rubbed his hands [...] — Can you solve that question now? — he asked.
— Aquinas — answered Stephen — says pulcra sunt quce visa placent.
— This fire before us [...] will be pleasing to the eye. Will it therefore be beautiful? —
— In so far as it is apprehended by the sight [...] it will be beautiful. But Aquinas also says Bonum est in quod tendit appetitus. In so far as it satisfies the animal craving for warmth fire is a good.
Aquinas's major works focus on the existence of God. However, Stephen chooses lines about art, beauty, and animal craving. The first Latin phrase translates to "the beautiful is that which pleases one's sight," and the second one translates to "the good is that which our instincts crave." Stephen quotes Aquinas (a prominent religious figure) in order to appeal to the dean and to advance his point about artistry. Both assertions seem to clash with the austere lifestyle required by the Jesuit college, but since they originate from an esteemed source, Stephen hopes to convince the dean of his points as he becomes increasingly enamored by the goodness of art and makes it—not religion—his most prized pursuit.
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