ABSTRACT
The history of the later Middle Ages is marked by increasing tension in every sphere of life. Art and learning, inconceivable in the early Middle Ages apart from service to religion, progressively emancipated themselves as independent approaches to truth. Despite the efforts of a few thinkers, such as Adelard of Bath, to view nature objectively, symbolism remained the prevailing habit of thought in the later Middle Ages. The St. Francis’ Sermon to the birds indicates the importance symbolism can assume in art in certain situations. It was so profound and lasting in its appeal just because it meant so many different things to different people, and even to the same people at different times or on different levels of awareness. Despite the efforts of a few thinkers, such as Adelard of Bath, to view nature objectively, symbolism remained the prevailing habit of thought in the later Middle Ages.
