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jetblackcap
jetblackcap
02.11.2020 • 
History

The following passage is a letter from Petrarch to Boccacio, in which Petrarch gives his opinion of writing in the Italian vernacular language rather than in Latin: To be sure, the Latin, in both prose and poetry, is undoubtedly the nobler language, but for that very reason it has been so thoroughly developed by earlier writers that neither we nor anyone else may expect to add very much to it. The vernacular, on the other hand, has but recently been discovered, and, though it has been ravaged by many, it still remains uncultivated, in spite of a few earnest labourers, and still shows itself capable of much improvement and enrichment.—Petrarch, Familiar Letters, 1351-1353

What was Petrarch's motive for writing in Italian rather than Latin? (1 point)

A. Petrarch was only somewhat learned in Latin, but not fluent enough to write poetry.

B. Latin learning was only available to the wealthy and the clergy, not to all readers.

C. Italian, being a newer language, offered more opportunity for development.

D. The demand for vernacular literature was increasing among the Italian public.

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