Conflict: Life of Galileo
A random collection of notes, including the notes that I used at the
VATE conference 2013
Areas to research that would help with student understanding
Aristotle-his hypothesis that the sun rotates around the earth
Copernicus-refutation of Aristotle’s theory about the sun and earth
Kepler-first astronomer to openly uphold Copernicus’ theories
Pope Urban VIII
Descartes-his ideas that the mind is not limited and therefore can encompass free will
and reconcile science and religion
Galileo
Inquisition-who was an inquisitor, reasons for Inquisition, why was Galileo brought
before it
Protestant Reformation-its influence on the search for heretics
An overview of the play Source: http://www.stageagent.com/Shows/View/1444#ixzz2KNLuSmCc Brecht’s play portrays Galileo as he struggles with the church over his attempts to prove the Copernican theory of a heliocentric solar system. The play opens as Galileo teaches his theory to eleven-­‐‑year-­‐‑old Andrea Sarti, his housekeeper’s son. He is initially celebrated as a great man of the Renaissance – until the church condemns his teachings, fearing that he will begin to question the order of the social system, too. For eight years, he stops his research, but when an argument about sunspots piques his interest, and he is compelled to begin his study again. His daughter, Virginia, is engaged to the wealthy and stupid Ludovico. Ludovico breaks off the engagement when Galileo starts his research again, and Virginia resents her father for it. When Cardinal Barberini, a man of the Enlightenment, becomes pope, Galileo hopes that the church will change its position, but Barberini, now Pope Urban VIII, is pressured to censure the scientist. Galileo recants his theories under threat of torture, and for the remaining years of his life, he writes in secret, only to have his papers confiscated. Only Virginia is proud of him, and she keeps a watchful eye on him. He manages to keep a copy of his work hidden in a globe, which the now 39-­‐‑year-­‐‑old Andrea smuggles out of Italy. Andrea berates him for his recantation. Galileo admits that he recanted out of a fear of torture and proclaims that he has betrayed science. Brecht’s powerful play questions the scientist’s responsibilities in the face of an oppressive government. There are two major versions of this play, as well as other minor variations, and not all characters appear in each version. The Main Characters (not all of the characters): Galileo: a scientist working on the new theory that the earth revolves around the sun rather than the sun moving around the earth. Andrea (boy): The housekeeper’s son who is interested in science and listens to the lessons Galileo teaches him. Mrs. Sarti: Andrea’s mother and concerned with the finances of the house. She keeps house for Galileo Ludovico: A student from Holland who tells Galileo about the new invention that he has seen, a telescope. Procurator: The procurator of the university. Galileo’s boss. Sagredo: Galileo’s friend. Researches with Galileo. Virginia: Galileo’s daughter. Federzoni: Lens maker Chamberlain (a very old man): Keeper of Cosimo Cosimo de Medici: Grand Duke of Tuskony, aged 9 Scene summary of the play Scene 1 We are introduced to a frustrated Galileo who is aware of the need for more money but longs for the time to pursue his research. He readily shares his knowledge with Andrea, a curious 11 year old, whose mother works as Galileo’s housekeeper. Galileo supports the theories of Copernicus who has radically maintained that the earth orbits around the sun, as opposed to the Church’s (and Aristotle’s) theory that the sun, and the entire universe must revolve around the earth, and explains this theory to Andrea. A new student, Ludovico, arrives and requests that Galileo tutor him. He freely admits to being stupid and uses the example of a telescope that he saw in Holland to prove his point. This new invention interests Galileo and he asks questions about how the telescope functions. Once Ludovico has left, Galileo orders the lenses as described by the student and begin to think about this new invention. Galileo’s boss, the Procurator from the university, visit and Galileo requests a raise. The Procurator’s response is to suggest that when Galileo’s teaching makes them more money, then they will pay him more. The Procurator also points out that it is expected that Galileo will take on private students, which we have just seen in the visit from Ludovico. By the end of the scene Galileo has hit upon an idea: the telescope might be just the thing he needs to make extra money and so free himself to do further research. Key quotes: “And a vast desire has sprung up to know the reasons for everything:” Galileo p7 “For where faith has been enthroned for a thousand years doubt now sits.” Galileo p7 Scene 2 Galileo presents his telescope to the city and is assured of an increased income. His daughter, Virginia brings Ludovico to congratulate Galileo. Ludovico’s presence raises the question of originality and the stealing of ideas. Galileo proclaims that the casing is a different colour and so this makes the telescope different enough to be his own work. Key quotes: “And it strikes me that I’m starting to learn a thing or two about science” Ludovico p22 Scene 3 Jan 1610 Galileo is researching with his friend Sagredo. It is during the night and they are looking at the moons of Jupiter. Galileo insists that society will welcome his new discoveries, however Sagredo is more concerned for the consequences of the implications of Galileo’s discoveries (that there are smaller “stars” revolving around a bigger “star” thus showing that now everything revolves around the earth). Galileo tells Sagredo that he is applying to the royal family in Florence for a grant so that he may focus solely on his new discoveries. Sagredo immediately sees the risk in moving to Florence, which is highly religious. He advises Galileo to be cautious but Galileo responds with optimism. Ignoring his friend’s warning, Galileo sends the letter to Florence. Key quotes: “Don’t go to Florence, Galileo…Because it’s run by monks” Sagredo p32 “Galileo, I see you embarking on a frightful road.” Sagredo p33 “You may be a sceptic in science, but you’re childishly credulous as soon as anything seems likely to help you pursue it” Sagredo p33 Scene 4 Galileo has moved to Florence (from Venice). Andrea and Cosimo wrestle/fight in Galileo’s study but stop when they hear the adults arrive. A variety of academics arrive, Theologian, Mathematician, Philosopher to see Galileo’s work. He tried to convince them to look through the telescope but they are so focused on defending their own understanding of the earth that they refuse. Instead they declare they will refer the information to the papal astronomer. Key quotes: “Truth is born of the times, not of authority” Galileo p42 Scene 5 The plague comes and the royal court offer to take Galileo away from the risk. He doesn’t want to leave his research and refuses to leave, putting the children into the carriage without him. Mrs Sarti stays but falls ill three days later. Andrea escapes from the carriage and makes his way back to Galileo and his mother. Galileo feels that his willingness to risk his life will be taken as proof that his discoveries are right. Key quotes: “A rattling sound is heard Galileo: What’s that? The Old Woman: They’re trying to make noises to drive away the clouds with the plague seeds in them. Galileo roars with laughter.” p48 Scene 6 1616 Galileo is at the Vatican in Rome as the monks confirm his findings. Initially there is laughter and fun at the issue but it becomes serious when The Very Old Cardinal enters and declares that man is made in God’s image, therefore the world should revolve around him (and thus the earth). He makes a passionate speech about it and then faints. The astronomers come and confirm Galileo’s findings but no one is brave enough to tell the Cardinal. The scene ends with the entrance of the Cardinal Inquisitor. Key quotes: “I am told that this Mr Galilei moves mankind away from the centre of the universe and dumps it somewhere on the edge.” The Very Old Cardinal p53 “…you bear a remarkable likeness to what’s-­‐his-­‐name, you know, that man we burned.” The Very Old Cardinal to Galileo p53 Scene 7 March 5th 1616 Cardinal Bellarmin’s house in Rome Virginia and Ludovic announce their engagement. Cardinal Bellarmin announces to Galileo that the church has officially rejected Copernicus’ stand on the universe and instructs Galileo to abandon this view. All the while there are Secretaries creating transcripts of every conversation had with Galileo. Galileo doesn’t discredit God or say the God doesn’t exist. Instead he declares that man’s view of God’s creation is wrong. This is written down as evidence to be used against him. The Cardinal Inquisitor also finds out who Galileo’s daughter, Virginia, confesses to – no doubt to gather information there too. Key quotes: “Mr Galilei, tonight the Holy Office decided that the doctrine of Copernicus, according to which the sun is motionless and at the centre of the cosmos, while the earth moves and is not at the centre of the cosmos, is foolish, absurd, heretical and contrary to our faith. I have been charged to warn you that you must abandon this view.” Cardinal Bellarmin to Galileo p60 Scene 8 Florentine Ambassador’ palace in Rome A Little Monk goes to visit Galileo and to talk him out of maintaining his views. The monk explains how Galileo’s theories about Venus are not helpful to the uneducated peasant. Galileo responds by defending the need to tell the truth. Key quotes: “The only truth that gets through will be what we force through: the victory of reason will be the victory of people who are prepared to reason, nothing else.” Galileo p.68 Scene 9 Galileo’s house in Florence Virginia is preparing for her wedding to Ludovico (they have been engaged for 8 years). Galileo is conducting research in his home with Andrea, Federzoni and the Little Monk. Mucius, a mathematician, visits wanting to explain his position about Copernicus but is dismissed. Ludovico arrives to visit with Virginia. He has news that the Pope is dying, Galileo resumes his research on sun spots (something he had avoided as he had signed a Declaration in Rome). Ludovico challenges Galileo about his work and the trouble it could cause. Galileo dismisses Ludovico who then leaves, breaking his engagement to Virginia. Key quotes: “Mr Galileo there are worse thing than plague.” Mucius p.70 “Rome allowed me to get a reputation because I said nothing.” Galileo p.73 “The man’ll weigh his pieces of ice fifty times over, but as soon as it’s something that suits his book he believes it blindly.” Mrs Sarti about Galileo p.78 Scene 10 10 years later The scene opens with a carnival procession that shows the common people response to Galileo’s publications (written in the common language). The singers are telling a story of Galileo’s discovery breaking the authority of the Bible, and thus of the church. Galileo, himself, did not say such things but, rather, was explaining a new way to understand God’s creation. Key quotes: “For independent spirit spreads like foul diseases.” The Ballad Singer p84 Scene 11 1633 Galileo is at the Medici palace in Florence. He is waiting to see Cosimo, to discuss his book. An ironmonger talks with Galileo, expressing his view that Galileo is an inspiration to the everyday man. He warns Galileo of impending trouble and offers to provide a way out of town for him. Galileo refuses, but Virginia is upset and worried. Cosimo takes a long time before seeing Galileo and is awkward and embarrassed. After their brief meeting, Galileo tells Virginia that he has organized an escape from town. As they get up to leave they are accosted and Galileo is summoned to the Inquisition. Key quotes: “Their blaming you for those pamphlets against the bible that have been selling all over the place lately.” Vanni (an ironmonger) p.87 “I’ve written a book about the mechanics of the universe, that’s all. What people make of it or don’t make of it isn’t my business.” Galileo p.88 Scene 12 The Pope and The Inquisitor are discussing social unrest and how they feel this is connected with what Galileo has been saying. They are unsettled by Galileo’s discussion of machines and his theories of light. Key quotes: “a terrible restlessness had descended on the world” The Inquisitor p91 Scene 13 June 22nd 1633 Before the Inquisition The Little Monk, Federzoni and Andrea are waiting for the outcome, discussing their belief that Galileo won’t recant. Virginia is to one side, praying that Galileo will recant. The bell rings and The Crier gives the announcement, Galileo has recanted. The Little Monk goes back to his religious life and Federzoni goes back to be a lens grinder, however Andrea is particularly angry with Galileo. He shouts as Galileo. Key quotes: “Unhappy the land that has no heroes!” Andrea… “Unhappy the land where heroes are needed.” Galileo p98 Scene 14 1633-­‐1642 Under house arrest Geese are delivered from an anonymous donor. Galileo’s sight is so poor that he is unable to recognize that they are geese. He dictates to Virginia in response to quotes and questions sent to him by the archbishop. It is here that we see a hint of what Galileo really believes as he asks Virginia if there is any hint of sarcasm in what he has written. We learn that Galileo’s crime, as he sees it, is that he wrote a dissertation in the language of the people rather than keeping it in Litan (and thus away from the people). Andrea, still angry, comes to visit, having been asked to by Fabricius in Amsterdam to check on Galileo’s health. Galileo plays the party line while Virginia and the monk are in the room. They leave to deal with the geese, assuming that there enough animosity between the two to ensure no underhand dealings. Once gone, Galileo tells Andrea that he has continued to write and hidden the book in the Globe. Andrea takes the book. Galileo confesses to Andrea that he recanted because he was afraid of the torture he might suffer if he didn’t recant. Galileo feels regret. Key quotes: “He’s doing nothing contrary to instructions. His repentance is genuine.” Virginia to The Monk p100 “I recanted because I was afraid of physical pain.” Galileo p107 “Even a wool merchant has not only to buy cheap and sell dear but also ensure that the wool trade continues unimpeded.” Galileo p 107 Scene 15 1637 Galileo’s book ‘Discorsi’ crosses the frontier While Andrea, accompanied by his child assistant Giuseppe, is searched crossing the Italian border, he reads Galileo’s book. Children are nearby discussing the idea that a local woman is a witch who can fly on a broom. The monks, through laziness, let Andrea through. It is then that Andrea answers the children that it is impossible for a woman to fly on a broom without some sort of motor attached. Superstition and scientific truth are contrasted. Key quotes: “There are a lot of things we don’t know yet, Giuseppe. We’re really just at the beginning.” Andrea p113 Some learning activities The following ideas are designed to help students enter into the different types of conflict within the play while also providing the foundation for discussion of motive and consequences. 1. Role play different discussions that happen in the play. Eg: • Virginia and Galileo when the engagement between Virginia and Ludovico is broken • Andrea meeting Galileo at the end of the play • The Pope and The Inquisitor as they talk about social unrest 2. Write a letter from Galileo (after the inquisition) to Andrea explaining why Galileo chose to recant. 3. Write a break-­‐up text or facebook message from Ludovico to Virginia. Then discuss Ludovico’s motivation and intentions towards Virginia. How were his actions unfair? Discussion table The following table lists many different types of conflict that occur within the flow of the text. Conflict – discussion starters Reference in the text – remember to include the context of the quote Scene 1 How does the desire for more create “And a vast desire has sprung up to know conflict? What does it do to the dynamic of the reasons for everything.” Galileo p7 a classroom when there are some student who want to know more and some who could care less? How does doubt create conflict? Can you think of a conflict in society that is fueled by doubt? “For where faith has been enthroned for a thousand years doubt now sits.” Galileo p7 How do different world views impact the “The universe has lost its centre overnight way people experience and resolve conflit? and woken up to find it has countless centres.” Galileo p8 Thinking about poverty, what sort of conflict is experienced? What types of choices are involved? What does the poverty motivate them to do? List the different participants in the issue of poverty and the specific type of conflict they experience. How can their conflict be resolved? Galileo chooses to buy books rather than pay his bills, p9, but is aware that he needs to make money. That is why, in Scene 1, he takes on a new student, why he asks for a raise from the university, and a contributing factor as to why he steals the telescope idea. Scene 2 To enter into conflict or to not enter into conflict, this is the question. Should conflict be sought when an injustice is present? How important are ethics when it comes to conflict? Ludovico knows that Galileo has stolen the idea for the telescope and is making money from it. What does Ludovico mean when he says “And it strikes me that I am starting to learn a thing or two about science.” P22 Scene 3 How powerful are words? When Galileo says “Today mankind can write in it’s diary: Got rid of Heaven” how are his words inflamatoy? p24 Stealing? Is it ever right to steal? What Galileo justifies his theft of intellectual about intellectual property, eg ideas? What property. P26 about music downloaded but not paid for? Who suffers the consequences of these types of actions? What type of conflict is involved in these types of acts? How is conflict fueled when one party is being unreasonable? How you do know the difference between being unreasonable and simply having a different point of view? p29 Proof and reason How important are friends in helping us to Sagredo points out some truths to Galileo negotiate and cope with conflict? What p32 are the consequences if we don’t at least consider our friends point of view? Scene 4 Is there ever a time when violence is the right way to resolve conflict? Cosimo and Andrea physically fight in Galileo’s study p36&37 World view/different perspectives. How does having a radically different perspective impact on the way conflict is resolved? The philosophy, the theologian and the mathematician all examine Galileo’s research p37-­‐39 Is truth relative? Will truth always win over authority? “Truth is born of the times, not of authority” Galileo p42 Scene 5 How does fear motivate people? How does The plague has arrived. fear fuel conflict? What are some things that people are afraid of? How does misunderstand and superstition create conflict? “They’re trying to make noises to drive away the clouds with the plague seeds in them” p48 Scene 6 Keeping secrets? Do secrets damage The papal astronomers confirm Galileo’s people? How? When is a time in your own findings but none of them want to life when you remember keeping a secret challenge the Cardinals view. and it caused you trouble? It is important to be brave and tell? Why Challenging authority – when should you challenge authority? When should you let it go? Risk taking: Is it important in resolving conflict to be able to take risks? What if it backfires? Scene 7 What happens when conflict builds into a societal issue and is out of any one person’s control? People are talking about Galileo and he has no control over what they are saying. p56 Scene 8 What are the dangers of not adhering to an “…the potential dangers for humanity in ethical point of view? wholly unrestricted research” The Little Monk p64 Brecht refers here to the experimentation that was conducted on many people during world war 2. The idea of bribery and putting personal comfort before what is right. “If I were to agree to keep my mouth shut my motives would be thoroughly low ones: an easy life, freedom from persecution, and so on.” Galileo p67 Truth “But don’t you think that the truth will get through without us, so long as it is true?” The Little Monk p68 Scene 9 How do perceived threat and real threat differ? What impact does it have on your life to live with threat? How does it change the way you deal with conflict? “Rome allowed me to get a reputation because I said nothing…Nor can I afford to be roasted over a wood fire like a ham.” Galileo p73 How much are people willing to sacrifice in order to get what they really want? How does this cause conflict? Galileo sacrifices Virginia’s engagement to Ludovico. Self-­‐justification: how do we see the plain and obvious in others but fail to see it in ourselves? “That man’ll weigh his pieces of ice fifty times over, but as soon as it’s something that suits his book he believes it blindly.” Mrs Sarti p78 Choosing to do something radical can often lead to conflict. What is something radical that different people in history have chosen to do? Galileo declares that he will publish his findings in the language of the everyday person, thus making knowledge available to the masses rather than keeping it sacred an under the control of the few. Scene 10 Social change “For independent spirit spreads like foul diseases.” The Ballad Singer p84 The power of word: do words have power? Does it matter how you say something? “Galileo Galilei, the bible-­‐buster” The Ballad Singer p85 Scene 11 Suffering the consequences of something you can’t control They blame Galileo for pamphlets being circulated that say the Bible isn’t true p87 Naivety: How does being naïve impact on the way that you view the world, and the way you view the conflict you experience? Does this lead to a victim mentality? “I’ve written a book about the mechanics of the universe, that’s all.” Galileo p88 What happens when it is too little too late? Galileo finally took notice of the threat, but Is there any way to recover when things he left it too late and was unable to escape. have been left too long? P90 Scene 12 How does rapid change in the world cause The Pope and The Inquisitor discuss the conflict? What about the people who miss rapid changes happening in the world. out? What about those who seem to have everything? It is fair that some have more than others? How do you keep up with the newest of everything and also look after those who have very little? Scene 13 Does giving in mean that you have lost? Why do people give in? What situations can be occurring that would make this option seem like the best one? Galileo recants his position. Did he lose? Why does he recant? P96 How is conflict resolution made more difficult when one person is angry? Andrea yells at Galileo. P98 Scene 14 When is it right to give and right to stand? Galileo pretends to be what is requires but Does giving require a full change of belief secretly continues to write what is on his (as Virginia believed had happened) or can heart. you recant and still hold to your original beliefs? Can action, based on the belief of truth, ever be held back? What does this imply for the creation and resolution of conflict? Scene 15 Andrea’s actions indicate that Brecht believes that the fundamental truth will win in the end. What do you think? Will truth always rise to the top? Andrea is opening reading Galileo’s book, although he says it is Aristotle. How does science create conflict? How can it help to resolve it? Superstition and science are contrasted at the end of the scene.