Internal Exile in Fascist Italy: History and Representations of Confino

This study explores the Fascist-era practice of confino, exiling antifascist dissidents to remote parts of Italy, through a case study of the political colony on Lipari and a historical overview of internal exile. It examines representations of confinement in literature and film, exploring self-expression and the repression of homosexuality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This comprehensive study delves into the Fascist-era practice of confino, which involved exiling antifascist dissidents to remote regions of Italy, often located on islands or in small inland villages. The book is divided into two sections. The first section presents a case study of the political colony on the island of Lipari, providing a historical overview of internal exile. The second section explores representations of confinement in literature and film, examining the various forms of self-expression employed by prisoners to convey their experiences, analyzing how filmmakers interpret these events, places, and people, and investigating how film portrays the repression of homosexuality. Moreover, this study offers a timely examination of the origins of European federalism, contributing to our understanding of the enduring legacy of confinement from both national and European perspectives.

Introduction:
The Fascist-era practice of confino, which involved exiling antifascist dissidents to remote regions of Italy, often located on islands or in small inland villages, is the subject of this comprehensive study. The book is divided into two sections. The first section presents a case study of the political colony on the island of Lipari, providing a historical overview of internal exile. The second section explores representations of confinement in literature and film, examining the various forms of self-expression employed by prisoners to convey their experiences, analyzing how filmmakers interpret these events, places, and people, and investigating how film portrays the repression of homosexuality.

Section 1: Case Study of Lipari:
The first section of the book provides a detailed account of the political colony on the island of Lipari. Established in the 1930s, Lipari was a remote and isolated island that was used as a prison for antifascist dissidents. The colony was characterized by harsh conditions, including overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to food and medical care. The prisoners were subjected to constant surveillance and were subjected to various forms of torture and abuse.

The case study of Lipari offers a valuable insight into the experiences of antifascist dissidents during the Fascist era. It highlights the brutalities of confinement and the ways in which the Fascist regime sought to suppress dissent. The prisoners' accounts of their experiences, which are documented in the book, provide a poignant reminder of the human cost of political oppression.

Section 2: Representations of Confinement in Literature and Film:
The second section of the book focuses on representations of confinement in literature and film. It examines the various forms of self-expression employed by prisoners to describe their experiences, including memoirs, letters, and literature. The book also investigates how filmmakers interpret these events, places, and people, and explores how film portrays the repression of homosexuality.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the variety of self-expression used by prisoners to describe their experiences. Memoirs, letters, and literature provide a unique perspective on confinement, as they allow the prisoners to express their emotions and thoughts in their own words. The book examines how these forms of self-expression contribute to our understanding of the human experience of confinement.

Filmmakers, too, have played a significant role in shaping our understanding of confinement. The book examines how filmmakers interpret these events, places, and people, and how they portray the repression of homosexuality. It highlights the ways in which film can be a powerful tool for conveying the human experience of confinement and for raising awareness about social injustices.

In conclusion, this study offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the Fascist-era practice of confino. It provides a case study of the political colony on the island of Lipari, exploring the harsh conditions and experiences of antifascist dissidents. The book also examines representations of confinement in literature and film, highlighting the variety of self-expression used by prisoners and the ways in which filmmakers interpret these events, places, and people. This study contributes to our understanding of the legacy of confinement from both national and European perspectives, and serves as a timely reminder of the importance of freedom of expression and the human rights of all individuals.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526163875