The Struggle for Life and the Modern Italian Novel, 1859-1925

This book explores Darwinism in modern Italian literature, focusing on novels by Italo Svevo, Federico De Roberto, and Luigi Pirandello. It examines the struggle against adverse social conditions, the risk of failing to survive, adaptive issues, and the heredity of maladapted characters. It argues that hybridization and variation of narrative forms and collective mindsets describe the modernist awareness of the cultural complexity experienced in Italy and Europe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 271 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This captivating book delves into the rich tapestry of Darwinism in modern Italian literature, spanning the years between Italy's unification in 1861 and the ascent of fascism. During this transformative period, a multitude of writers emerged to articulate the anxieties and tensions associated with the concepts of evolution and progress. Through meticulous analysis, this study unveils how Italian authors skillfully appropriated and reimagined scientific terminology to convey the complexities and contradictions inherent in Italy's cultural and political-economic modernization.

At the heart of this exploration lies a profound focus on the works of Italo Svevo, Federico De Roberto, and Luigi Pirandello. These influential authors, in their novels, delved into profound themes such as the relentless struggle against adverse social conditions within a capitalistic society, the perilous risk of failure in the face of such challenges, the adaptive dilemmas faced by individuals uprostrated from their familiar family and work environments, and the profound concerns regarding the inheritance of maladaptive characters.

Moreover, this book makes a compelling argument that the hybridization and variation of both narrative forms and collective mindsets accurately depict the modernist consciousness of the cultural complexity experienced in Italy and Europe during this pivotal era. It sheds light on the ways in which writers embraced experimentation, juxtaposition, and ambiguity to convey the multifaceted and intricate realities of their time.

Through its comprehensive examination, this book offers a profound understanding of the interplay between Darwinism, literature, and the socio-political landscape of early 20th-century Italy. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, providing a rich and nuanced perspective on the evolution of ideas and the cultural transformations of a nation.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031188497
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022