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From: griffith
Date: 11/4/99
Time: 9:37:56 PM
Remote Name: 130.68.51.62
I am not sure if the preface establishes a good parallel between the mid-20th century and 14th century. However the book itself establishes many parallels between past and present. The entire power struggle of who shall have the knowledge, whether it be those who have the power or those who are trying to obtain it. In this novel the characters and events can easily find an equivalent in today's world. Those pages in the book that talks about the heretical movements in the middle ages. there are two references about brother dolinco and brother micheal, heretics burned alive, along with their followers by inquisition. These events have clear reference to the world as we know it now. Revolution has been apart of the world for so long just as well as the harsh repression for those efforts. So in doing so, I feel Eco is trying to imply that no matter the time there will always be that power struggle between the kings and queens of the world who care nothing for those who live under them.