Overview
This lecture covers the life, major works, and literary significance of Alessandro Manzoni, focusing on his conversion to Catholicism, his novel "The Betrothed," and his role in Italian Romanticism.
Life of Alessandro Manzoni
- Born in Milan in 1785 to Pietro Manzoni and Giulia Beccaria.
- Grandson of Enlightenment thinker Cesare Beccaria.
- Parents separated in 1792; mother moved to Paris, Manzoni joined her in 1805.
- Married Enriqueta Blondel in 1808, had 10 children.
- Converted to Catholicism with his wife, a key influence on his works.
- Returned to Milan in 1810; most productive years were 1812-1827.
- Remarried Teresa Bori in 1837 after Enriqueta's death.
- Suffered many personal losses later in life; died in Milan at 88.
- Appointed senator after Italian unification.
Major Works and Literary Contributions
- Most important work: "The Betrothed" (I Promessi Sposi), a historical novel.
- Other works: "Five Sacred Hymns," tragedies ("The Count of Carminiola," "Adelchi"), civil odes ("On May 5th," "March 1821").
- "The Betrothed" features humble commoners as protagonists, which was new in literature.
"The Betrothed" (I Promessi Sposi)
- Plot centers on Renzo and Lucia, thwarted by Don Rodrigo from marrying.
- Characters include Don Abondio, Fra Cristoforo, Cardinal Borromeo, and the "Unnamed."
- Set in Lombardy (1628-1630) under Spanish rule; written in the 19th century.
- Blends fictional events with real historical facts like the 1628 plague.
- Manzoni rewrote the novel multiple times, finalizing the Florentine vernacular for a national audience.
Literary Themes and Style
- Key themes: faith in God, divine providence, homeland, history, and civil/moral commitment.
- Manzoni embraced ideals of the French Revolution and the Risorgimento.
- Emphasized the providential vision where divine justice helps the oppressed.
Poetics: Historical vs. Poetic Truth
- Historical truth: accurate depiction of historical events.
- Poetic truth: explores human emotions and psychology.
- Manzoni believed literature should be useful (purpose), true (subject), and interesting (means).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Enlightenment — intellectual movement focused on reason, individualism, and skepticism.
- Risorgimento — movement for Italian unification in the 19th century.
- Romanticism — literary movement emphasizing emotion, individualism, and glorification of the past.
- Providence — the protective care and guidance of God.
- Historical Novel — a genre mixing fictional characters/events with real historical settings and facts.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the character file with main traits from "The Betrothed."
- Prepare a summary of the plot and themes of "The Betrothed."