"The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco.

Essay by Sheila2564University, Bachelor's July 2003

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From the beginning, The Name of The Rose contains a plethora of descriptive symbols which deal with more than just with the protection of the Abbey, the labyrinthine library, or of the knowledge locked inside. One symbolism is captured within the title, which a person can derive many interpretations. I cannot even begin to cover all of the symbolism contained within this movie, so I will focus on the labyrinthine library.

The library was the most complex and secretive of all the parts of the Abbey. The passageway that led to it was guarded by several threatening and fear inducing symbols. The altar that guided the way was a series of skulls with deep hollow eyesockets which filled those who looked at them with terror. The skulls and bones are obvious symbols of death, and therefore are a warning to all that would plan on entering.

Jorge felt that his mission was to protect the populace of the monks from the evil created by the philosopher Aristotle, for fear that his book of "comedy" would teach that freeing oneself of evil is in turn, gaining wisdom.

It would appear, however, that this book contained more than just the fear of gaining wisdom. It is clear that Jorge was so blinded by the search for truth, that he would not stop at any means to see his goal accomplished. Jorge wanted to keep the book hidden so badly, to the point of committing suicide, to ensure that some knowledge is never learned.

Brother William encounters and reveals three connections at the monastery while probing the deaths of the monks. The monopoly of knowledge, commercial competition and communication changes which bring about social and political upheavals, and, all the

clues to the deaths of the monks appear to be connected to the...