Zlatna jabuka Hanibala Lucića
Hanibal Lucić's Golden Apple

Summary/Abstract: In its narrative composition and more especially its symbolism Lucić's poem "U vrime ko čisto poznati nije moć" (A time when it's impossible to know completely) is unique in Croatian Petrarchian poetry. The poem is here analysed from the point of view of the golden apple which the poet sees in his dreams and longs for but cannot reach for it is unattainable. Looking for the meaning of an apple, more especially a golden apple leads us far into the past: to the Bible, classical antiquity and myth. An apple (usually golden) is found in Croatian Renaissance poetry always symbolizing virtues (ideals) that are the object of longing. In this poem Lucić has in his own way combined two allegorical sources. The classical allegory of the poet's dream journey to a mountain where his Muse lives has been adapted to his momentary feelings and mood: the golden apple symbolizes a beloved maiden who he longs to possess but who is destined for another.

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