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From: LewiarzP1@alpha.montclair.edu
Date: 11/4/99
Time: 1:36:03 PM
Remote Name: 130.68.51.59
I think the preface in fact establishes parallels between the mid twentieth century and the early 14th century which clearly illustrates the similarities of an age like 1327 and the modern day age and time of the period. I think that what Eco is simply implying is that the understanding of such a complicated time is really very similar to a time such as the one which we live in now. The two relationships are in fact integral to the order of the whole situation and how it comes together in a whole.
I think that Eco is trying to point out that the social status variations between the two times are in fact not that very different. They are in fact very similar in grasp and scope. The social implications of both ages is a simple one. The catholic church being the ruling class and there not being any say in what the church or the pope have to say. Such activity does in fact occur in the times that we live in. This social structure is not very different from the economic structures that also inhabit the day and age that we live in. This I feel is the biggest similarity between the two different ages as I would see them through Eco's novel.