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THE SYMBOLIC UNIVERSE
CHAP XXVIII
symbolical nature of God's creation, with the prefigurative significance of the fortunes of God's chosen people until the coming of Christ, with the import and symbolism of Christ's life and teachings, and with the symbolism inherent in the organization and building up of Christ's holy Church. Symbolism and allegory are made part of the constitution of the world and man; they connect man's body and environment with his spirit, and link the life of this world with the life to come. Hugo has thus grounded and established symbolism in the purposes of God, in the universal scheme of things, and in the nature and destinies of man.[1]
- ↑ Whoever should wish for further illustration of Hugo's allegorical methods may examine his treatises entitled De arca Noë morali and De arca Noë mystica (Migne 176, col. 618-702), where every detail of the Ark, which signifies the Church, is allegorically applied to the Christian scheme of life and salvation. With these treatises, Hugo's De vanitate mundi (Migne 176, col. 703-740) is connected. They will be referred to when considering Hugo's position in mediaeval philosophy, post, Chapter XXXVI., ii.
