Question

Why does the author compare Neruda to a Renaissance pope?

Answer 1

Pabola Neruda, a friend of the author, had come to Spain for the first time. The author compares Neruda to a Renaissance pope because Neruda behaviour was that of a childish manner. He walked through the crowd like an invalid elephant. Whenever he watched something, his mind had a child's curiosity of its inner workings. For the author, the world appeared to him as a substantial wind-up toy. However, the author compared Neruda to a Renaissance pope as he was insatiable and refined. Thus, the author could not imagine anyone closer to the idea one has of a renaissance pope other than Neruda.