World Literature in Translation- 23BEN4C1 Unit III, Lesson 2: Montaigne - "Of Friendship"

 World Literature in Translation- 23BEN4C1

Unit III, Lesson 2: Montaigne - "Of Friendship"

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Overview of "Of Friendship"

Michel de Montaigne’s essay Of Friendship explores the nature and significance of true friendship. Writing in the 16th century, Montaigne examines his relationship with his close friend Étienne de La Boétie, describing their bond as one of deep understanding, mutual respect, and genuine affection. Montaigne contrasts true friendship with other forms of relationships, such as familial or romantic bonds, arguing that true friendship is rare and based on a profound connection that transcends ordinary social ties. Through his reflections, Montaigne discusses themes of loyalty, virtue, and the unique bond that friendship provides, suggesting that true friendship enriches life in ways few other relationships can.

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Key Passages with Explanation

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Passage:

In true friendship, one gives one’s self with full honesty and receives the same.

Explanation:

Montaigne argues that true friendship is based on honesty and openness. Unlike other relationships that may have conditions or social expectations, friendship, for Montaigne, involves a complete sharing of oneself without reservation. This mutual exchange of honesty and trust is what makes friendship deeply meaningful.

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Passage:

There is nothing to which nature seems so much to have inclined us as to society.

Explanation:

Montaigne observes that human beings are naturally inclined toward companionship and social connections. He implies that friendship is a natural part of human life, suggesting that it fulfills a fundamental need for closeness and mutual understanding. This statement highlights the role of friendship as an essential part of the human experience.

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Passage:

If a man pressed me to say why I loved him, I feel that it could only be expressed by replying: "Because it was he, because it was I."

Explanation:

This famous line reflects Montaigne’s belief that true friendship is unique and cannot be easily explained. The connection between friends goes beyond logical reasons or shared interests; it is a bond based on a profound compatibility and understanding of each other’s character. For Montaigne, true friendship simply “is,” without the need for justification.

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Passage:

Other friendships give each other something to be desired; but in friendship as we mean it, each gives himself fully and finds himself fulfilled in the other.

Explanation:

Montaigne distinguishes true friendship from other types of friendships, which often come with expectations or needs. In true friendship, he argues, each person offers their complete self without seeking anything in return. This selfless exchange creates a sense of fulfillment that is unique to true friendship.

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Passage:

Friendship is a higher form of connection, beyond utility or necessity, where we are fully at ease with another’s presence.

Explanation:

Montaigne believes that true friendship is different from relationships based on utility or necessity. In true friendship, people find comfort in each other’s presence without feeling the need to impress or gain anything. This freedom from expectations allows both friends to be their authentic selves, creating a rare and valuable connection.

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Two-Mark Questions with Answers

1. Who was Montaigne’s close friend discussed in "Of Friendship"?

Montaigne’s close friend was Étienne de La Boétie, with whom he shared a deep bond of friendship.

2. How does Montaigne describe true friendship?

Montaigne describes true friendship as a relationship based on honesty, mutual respect, and a complete sharing of oneself.

3. What distinguishes true friendship from other relationships, according to Montaigne?

True friendship is selfless and without conditions, unlike other relationships that may be based on social or personal expectations.

4. What does Montaigne mean by “Because it was he, because it was I”?

He means that true friendship is based on an inexplicable compatibility and connection between individuals.

5. What role does honesty play in Montaigne’s view of friendship?

Honesty is central to true friendship, as it allows both friends to fully understand and trust each other without reservation.

6. How does Montaigne view human nature in relation to friendship?

Montaigne believes that humans are naturally inclined toward companionship and social connections, making friendship a fundamental part of life.

7. Why does Montaigne regard friendship as a “higher form of connection”?

He sees friendship as a connection that goes beyond utility or necessity, offering comfort and authenticity without expectations.

8. What does Montaigne believe about the fulfillment in true friendship?

He believes that true friendship provides a unique sense of fulfillment, as each person offers their complete self and finds completeness in the other.

9. According to Montaigne, what makes true friendship rare?

True friendship is rare because it requires a deep compatibility and selflessness that goes beyond ordinary relationships.

10. How does Montaigne differentiate friendship from love or family bonds?

Montaigne argues that friendship is unique because it is chosen freely, unlike family bonds, and is free from the physical and emotional demands of romantic love.

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Five-Mark Questions with Answers

1. Explain Montaigne’s view on the uniqueness of true friendship.

Montaigne believes that true friendship is a unique connection that cannot be explained by ordinary means. Unlike relationships that are based on practical needs or societal roles, true friendship is rooted in a deep, almost mystical bond between two people. Montaigne famously describes this bond as “Because it was he, because it was I,” suggesting that true friendship transcends logic and arises from an unspoken understanding and compatibility. This uniqueness, he argues, is what makes true friendship rare and valuable.

2. How does Montaigne contrast true friendship with other types of relationships?

Montaigne contrasts true friendship with relationships based on utility, family ties, or romantic love. While family and romantic relationships often come with obligations and expectations, true friendship is free from these constraints. He argues that true friendship is selfless and based on mutual respect, where each person offers their complete self without seeking anything in return. This freedom from expectations makes true friendship a higher and more fulfilling connection.

3. Discuss Montaigne’s belief in the role of honesty in friendship.

For Montaigne, honesty is essential in true friendship, as it allows for complete openness and trust. He believes that friends should be able to share their innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. This honesty fosters a deep understanding and mutual respect, creating a relationship where both individuals can be their authentic selves. Montaigne’s emphasis on honesty highlights the selfless and transparent nature of true friendship.

4. Analyze Montaigne’s statement, “Because it was he, because it was I,” in the context of friendship.

This statement reflects Montaigne’s view that true friendship is based on an inexplicable bond between individuals. He implies that true friendship does not require logical reasons or shared interests; rather, it is a connection that arises from the unique qualities of each person. The phrase suggests a deep compatibility that goes beyond superficial traits, emphasizing that true friendship is rare and cannot be rationalized.

5. How does Montaigne describe the fulfillment found in true friendship?

Montaigne describes true friendship as uniquely fulfilling, as it allows individuals to offer themselves fully and find completeness in each other. He believes that true friendship is free from the expectations and obligations that often accompany other relationships, creating a sense of ease and comfort. This fulfillment is not based on utility or necessity but on the mutual respect and understanding that makes true friendship a rare and valuable experience.

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Essay Question with Detailed Answer

Question: Discuss the themes of loyalty, selflessness, and authenticity in Montaigne’s Of Friendship.

Introduction

In Of Friendship, Michel de Montaigne reflects on the profound qualities that define true friendship, drawing from his own relationship with Étienne de La Boétie. Montaigne explores the themes of loyalty, selflessness, and authenticity, presenting friendship as a unique bond that goes beyond ordinary relationships. For Montaigne, true friendship is rare and fulfilling, characterized by an openness and mutual respect that allows both friends to experience a deep sense of connection.

Subtitles and Explanations

1. Loyalty as the Foundation of Friendship

Montaigne sees loyalty as essential in true friendship, where friends stand by each other without conditions. He values loyalty as a defining trait, suggesting that true friends are steadfast in their commitment to one another.

2. Selflessness and Mutual Giving

Montaigne argues that true friendship is based on selflessness, with each person offering their complete self without expecting anything in return. This selflessness creates a bond that is free from obligation and allows for a deeper connection.

3. Honesty and Authenticity

Honesty is central to Montaigne’s idea of friendship, as it allows friends to be their true selves. Montaigne believes that true friends share their innermost thoughts without fear of judgment, fostering a bond based on mutual trust and respect.

4. Friendship Beyond Utility

Montaigne differentiates true friendship from relationships based on utility or necessity, emphasizing that friendship should be free from practical concerns. This perspective highlights friendship as a higher form of connection that values the person for who they are.

5. Freedom in True Friendship

Montaigne values the freedom that true friendship offers, where friends can be fully themselves without expectations.

6. Freedom in True Friendship

Montaigne values the freedom that true friendship offers, where friends can be fully themselves without expectations. He believes this freedom allows both individuals to find comfort in each other’s presence, creating a bond where authenticity thrives without constraints.

7. The Unexplainable Nature of True Friendship

For Montaigne, true friendship is not easily defined or explained. His famous statement, “Because it was he, because it was I,” reflects the idea that true friendship arises from an unexplainable compatibility. This uniqueness makes the friendship special, rooted in a profound connection that goes beyond superficial qualities.

8. The Rarity of True Friendship

Montaigne acknowledges that true friendship is rare, as it requires a level of mutual understanding and selflessness that few relationships achieve. This rarity makes true friendship valuable, a treasure that enriches life and brings unique fulfillment.

9. Friendship as a Source of Fulfillment

Montaigne describes true friendship as a source of profound joy and contentment. He suggests that friendship allows individuals to experience a sense of completion through mutual respect and understanding, providing a fulfillment that no other relationship can offer.

10. Montaigne’s Ideal of Friendship as a Reflection of Virtue

Montaigne views true friendship as a reflection of virtue, where both individuals bring out the best in each other. This bond, based on loyalty, honesty, and mutual respect, mirrors his ideals of character and integrity, making friendship an expression of moral excellence.

Conclusion

In Of Friendship, Michel de Montaigne celebrates the themes of loyalty, selflessness, and authenticity, presenting true friendship as a rare and profound connection that goes beyond societal expectations. Through his reflections on his friendship with Étienne de La Boétie, Montaigne reveals the unique fulfillment that true friendship offers. His insights encourage readers to appreciate and seek friendships rooted in honesty, mutual respect, and unconditional support, as these bonds enrich life in ways few other relationships can.