In the quoted statement, Cathleen Schine reflects on her experiences as a scholar, where she has had exposure to various historical documents and literary works ranging from financial instruments like promissory notes to religious decrees such as papal bulls. She also mentions familiarizing herself with the writings of renowned authors Dante Alighieri and Giovanni Boccaccio. However, she expresses disappointment in not finding much of interest or significance after 1400 AD.
The deeper meaning behind Schine's words lies in her expression of a sense of scholarly emptiness regarding works from the period that followed the Renaissance era. By saying "Nihil" (Latin for nothing), she conveys a feeling of insignificance or lack of noteworthy contributions post-1400, which contrasts sharply with the richness and complexity of earlier historical periods. This sentiment could be seen as an invitation to explore why there might seem like fewer remarkable works in her opinion after this time, encouraging readers to question and perhaps challenge her perspective on the literary and scholarly output from later centuries.
Cathleen Schine is a contemporary American novelist known for both fiction and non-fiction work. She has garnered recognition for her sharp wit and keen observations about modern life and society. Her statement reflects not only her personal academic journey but also an intriguing critique of historical scholarship, highlighting how perceptions of literary value can vary widely across different time periods.
