Simona Bianconi explores the creative process of writing, its communicative aspects and the traces of the writer himself in his creations, as well as the effect writing has on the personality of the author.Through the analysis of texts by six outstanding protagonists of the Italian novel in the first half of the 20th century, Bianconi gives answers to fascinating questions that arise about its creators and encourages the reader to experience and understand writing as a revelation of creativity and life.L'invenzione letteraria può dare vita a un secondo scrittore, a sua volta all'opera. A sua volta colui che comunica al di là della parola, che si assume l'importante responsabilità della creazione, che intende lasciare traccia di sé. Da lui nasce il libro, sua sfida, sostegno, tormento; prova unica o reiterata. Come prende forma nel romanzo di primo grado la figura centrale dell'autore? Come si mostra l'immagine ammaliante del suo lavoro nelle storie di lotta e rinuncia, successo e mediocrità presentate? E qual è l'effetto della scrittura sul personaggio - anche nella sua interazione sociale - che, pure tra gravi ostacoli, la elegge tra le vie da percorrere e ne fa il proprio destino?Attraverso la lettura di testi di sei straordinari protagonisti del romanzo italiano nella prima metà del Novecento, ideatori di altrettanti artisti, donne e uomini, si è tentato di dare una risposta ad interrogativi seducenti che il lettore si pone.. In tal modo, penetrando il motivo dell'esperienza della letteratura, si giunge a toccare la scrittura come rivelazione e sigillo di vita.

A revealing study of the sensual tensions powering the period's formal and ideological innovations.

The illegitimate son of a fortune teller, Ezio Comparoni (1920-52) never knew his father, rarely left his home town, and admitted no one to his home. His deliberate obscurity was compounded by his use of many pseudonyms, including Silvio d'Arzo, under which he wrote the remarkable novella and three stories collected in The House of Others. The novella The House of Others is among the rare perfect works of twentieth century fiction. In a desolate mountain village an old woman visits the parish priest, ostensibly to ask about dissolving a marriage. Gradually, as she probes for information on "special cases"--cases in which what is obviously wrong can also be irrefutably right--it becomes clear her true question is whether or not she might take her own life. The question is metaphysical, involving not only the woman's life but the priest's; and to it he has no answer.

Combines theme and genre analysis in a study of the Italian author, from her first literary writings in the 1930s to her novels in the 1990s.

This Seventh Edition of the best-selling intermediate Italian text, DA CAPO, International Edition, reviews and expands upon all aspects of Italian grammar while providing authentic learning experiences (including new song and video activities) that provide students with engaging ways to connect with Italians and Italian culture. Following the guidelines established by the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning, DA CAPO develops Italian language proficiency through varied features that accommodate a variety of teaching styles and goals. The Seventh Edition emphasizes a well-rounded approach to intermediate Italian, focusing on balanced acquisition of the four language skills within an updated cultural framework.

Throughout his life, the internationally known novelist, short story writer, and journalist, Ignazio Silone (1900-1978) struggled indomitably for social justice. In this book, Maria Nicolai Paynter discusses the many controversial issues surrounding Silone and his writing, analysing in detail his intellectual and political convictions and assesses the artistic achievement and stylistic development in his works. Paynter argues that a profound authenticity is at the core of Silone's writing and that his tragic vision emanates from a concepte of heroism based not on pride and self-serving defiance but rather on moral courage and integrity. Northrop Frye's archetypal criticism and his concept of ironic myth provide the theoretical framework through which Paynter guides the reader to an understanding of Silone's particular brand of realism and his unique message. Ignazio Silone: Beyond the Tragic Visionis a new, expanded version in English of an earlier Italian-language book which won the Premio Internazionale Letterario Ignazio Silone. It is the first comprehensive book in English on Silone's life, his writings, and their critical reception.

Combining close textual readings with a broad theoretical perspective, this book is a study of the ways in which gender shapes the characters and narratives of seven important Italian novels of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.