Galileo Setting & Symbolism

Galileo Objects/Places

Geocentric Astronomical Model

Galileo receives a geocentric model of the universe at the beginning of the play. This geocentric model has been the belief for over two thousand years and is the model Galileo challenges.

Telescope

Galileo learns of the telescope from his student Ludovico. Galileo introduces it as his own invention in Venice in order to receive money from the University. Later, Galileo uses an improved telescope to make key observations about the cosmos which refute the geocentric model of the universe.

Venice

At the beginning of the play, Galileo lives in Venice. Later, at the promise of a cushy job as court astronomer, Galileo moves to Florence.

Florence

Galileo's move to Florence is his undoing because Florence is more tightly controlled by the Church than Venice. Galileo's theories are ill-received in Florence, eventually leading to Galileo's inquisition.

The Four Moons of Jupiter

Through research with his telescope, Galileo discovers Jupiter has moons which orbit it, evidence which flies in...
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