Pirandello is indeed one of the most renowned Sicilian authors and playwrights. However, these stories, despite being set in Sicily, do not possess as distinctively Sicilian a character as those of Giovanni Verga, for instance.
They center around people and their relationships, with a particular focus on how an individual views the world subjectively and can never truly fathom what is happening in another person's mind.
For example, "With other eyes" delves into a young wife's response upon discovering a photo of her husband's first wife and how this alters her perception of him. "A Voice" is about a lover's fear when she suspects that her blind love will regain his sight and see her for the very first time.
"A Character's tragedy" is more fanciful but is interesting as it anticipates some of the themes present in Pirandello's most famous play, "Six characters in search of an author".
Perhaps before reading "One, No One and One Hundred Thousand", I should have read this collection of short stories (or novelettes). It would have been a gentle introduction to reading Pirandello's works because I had to spend some time getting used to the author's style. Not being a native speaker and not having read enough to feel comfortable with any text in Italian, I found Pirandello's literary language rather challenging as the reader must possess the talent to understand what has not been clearly stated, but only hinted at and implied. In other words, Pirandello's literary output is a rather high step for an inexperienced reader.
The novelettes are extremely entertaining and it is a pleasure to read them both for pleasure and for delving deeper into the study of Pirandello's literature. Since I don't want to write a long and capricious account, I will only dwell on a particular aspect of this collection that I have noticed. Trying to discern the presence of something common among the various novelettes, I have come to the conclusion that it would be the conflict between two kinds of laws: the state laws and the moral laws. In the novelettes of "La giara", the obvious difference between the two lies in the fact that they are based on different principles, that is, the essential for both kinds is rather different.
While reading, I have identified three consequences that result from that conflict:
a) There are situations and problems that transgress the limits of state laws.
b) The solutions, that is, the attempt to accommodate both kinds of laws, make the protagonists end up in bizarre situations (such as having two wives, or being buried next to the deceased wife of one's husband in order not to allow him to take that place, and so on).
c) The fact that these solutions are considered bizarre shows the moral rigidity and stubbornness (even obtuseness) of Pirandello's society.
An excellent collection that invites one to explore other works of Pirandello.
كقصص حكايات عالمية is a wonderful collection that takes readers on a journey through the rich tapestry of global literature.
Specifically, when it comes to من الأدب الإيطالي, Italian literature has a long and illustrious history.
It is filled with captivating stories, unique characters, and profound themes.
Italian authors have contributed greatly to the world of literature with their masterpieces.
From the works of Dante Alighieri to those of Italo Calvino, each writer has added their own distinct flavor to the literary landscape.
The stories in this collection offer a glimpse into the Italian way of life, its culture, and its values.
Readers can expect to be entertained, enlightened, and inspired by these tales.
Whether it's a love story, a mystery, or a historical epic, كقصص حكايات عالمية من الأدب الإيطالي has something for everyone.
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A Thrilling Novel about Endurance and Stubbornness
Despite the difficulties, the character refuses to give up and persists with unwavering determination. Their endurance is put to the test time and time again, but they manage to find the strength within themselves to keep going.
Their stubbornness, which might seem like a flaw at times, actually becomes their greatest asset. It allows them to stay focused on their goals and not be deterred by the opinions or actions of others.
As the story progresses, we witness the protagonist's growth and transformation. They learn valuable lessons about themselves and about life, and their journey is both inspiring and captivating.
This novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories of perseverance and the human spirit.
It is very much a mixed bag. The title story is amusing yet rather slight. It could have potentially made a good Puccini one-acter. However, the later stories aren't necessarily better. Quite arguably, the best in the collection is the early “Citrons from Sicily”. It is not only a moving study in class differences but also powerfully builds tension in the form of the main character's growing realization of his position. “A Voice” explores both character and conscience. And although “With Other Eyes” uses the shopworn trope of appearance (in a photograph) as a representation of personality and fate, the main character's struggle toward empathy with the despised former wife is well calculated. Perhaps most remarkable is “It's Not to Be Taken Seriously”, a study in repressed homosexuality and the main character's panicked reaction when threatened by awareness of it. “A Character's Tragedy”, no doubt an early study for what would be Pirandello's most famous work, is tedious as it lacks cumulative effect.
And what is one to say about “Mrs. Frola and Mr. Ponza, Her Son-in-Law”? If it's really “about the relativity of truth and the impossibility of penetrating other people's minds”, then perhaps Pirandello shouldn't have been so arbitrary in presenting information to his characters – and to his readers. Does the current (second? or only?) Mrs. Ponza actually exist? We're supposed to believe that nobody sees her. On the other hand, it would've been impossible for her to exchange daily notes with Mrs. Frola (by means of a basket lowered into the courtyard of an apartment complex) without eventually being seen by someone. Wasn't she seen when moving into the apartment? Either Pirandello or his translator is hiding behind some deliberate ambiguity, and this is annoying. Of course, it could be that both characters are lying, neither is insane, and in fact they're carrying on with each other...