Don Abbondio visto da Pirandello

Summary

In his 1908 essay 'Humor,' Luigi Pirandello explores the character of Don Abbondio from Manzoni's 'The Betrothed,' presenting him as a deeply human figure who embodies both fear and self-interest. Rather than simply a comic character, Pirandello argues Don Abbondio represents an 'humoristic' contrast between idealism and reality. Through this, Manzoni critiques the societal flaws that shape individuals. Pirandello contends that Don Abbondio’s fears, though seemingly comical, arise from genuine threats, making him a sympathetic, flawed character rather than a mere caricature. This analysis connects to a broader pessimistic view of a world marked by injustice, as seen in the works of both Pirandello and Calvino.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pirandello argues that Don Abbondio is not just a comedic character, but an example of literary humor, embodying a deeper reflection on human nature.
• 😀 According to Pirandello, comedy occurs when a character's actions are in contrast to what they should be, evoking laughter due to an obvious discrepancy.
• 😀 Humor, on the other hand, emerges from understanding the deeper, often social, reasons behind these contrasts, leading to reflection rather than laughter.
• 😀 Don Abbondio's cowardice is not purely for comic effect; it's rooted in real, tangible threats like Don Rodrigo's intimidation, making his fear understandable.
• 😀 Pirandello critiques Francesco De Sanctis for reducing Don Abbondio’s character to mere cowardice, ignoring the real social forces that shape him.
• 😀 Manzoni does not condemn Don Abbondio; instead, he presents him with empathy, showing how his weakness reflects broader human frailties.
• 😀 The contrast between Don Abbondio’s fear and the ideal of the priesthood as represented by Cardinal Borromeo highlights societal expectations and individual limitations.
• 😀 Pirandello asserts that Manzoni’s depiction of Don Abbondio is ultimately an invitation for the reader to reflect on human weakness, not simply to ridicule him.
• 😀 The pessimistic tone of *I Promessi Sposi* is underscored by the helplessness of noble figures, like Fra Cristoforo, against the violence and injustice of society.
• 😀 Calvino shares Pirandello’s view that *I Promessi Sposi* is an inherently humorous work, with interruptions from the narrator encouraging deeper reflection on its themes.

Q & A

What is Luigi Pirandello's main argument in his essay *L'umorismo* regarding Don Abbondio?

Pirandello argues that Don Abbondio is not just a comic character, but an example of the 'feeling of the opposite'—a deeply human figure whose fear and weaknesses reflect societal realities. He contrasts comedy, which causes laughter through discrepancy, with humor, which invites reflection on the deeper causes of those discrepancies.

How does Pirandello define the difference between comedy and humor?

Pirandello defines comedy as the 'warning of the opposite,' where the audience laughs at the contrast between how things are and how they should be. Humor, on the other hand, is the 'feeling of the opposite,' where the audience understands and reflects on the deeper, often societal causes of that contrast.

Why does Pirandello believe Don Abbondio is not merely a comic character?

Pirandello believes Don Abbondio is not simply comic because his cowardice is rooted in real, concrete dangers—such as threats from Don Rodrigo—rather than imagined fears. This makes him a tragic, human figure whose weaknesses reflect societal conditions.

What role does social context play in Pirandello's interpretation of Don Abbondio?

Social context is crucial in Pirandello's interpretation. He argues that Don Abbondio's fear and cowardice are not just personal flaws but are shaped by the oppressive, unjust society in which he lives, making his character a reflection of the broader social and moral issues of the time.

How does Pirandello critique the interpretation of Don Abbondio by Francesco De Sanctis?

Pirandello critiques De Sanctis for focusing only on Don Abbondio's fear as a comic trait. He argues that the priest's fear is not trivial but a response to real, dangerous circumstances, and therefore, it should not be seen merely as a source of comedy.

What does Pirandello say about Manzoni's portrayal of Don Abbondio in relation to the ideal priest?

Pirandello points out that Manzoni contrasts Don Abbondio, who represents a cowardly and self-serving type of priest, with the idealized figure of Cardinal Borromeo. This contrast underscores the gap between the real and the ideal, which is central to understanding the deeper human themes in the novel.

How does Pirandello argue that Manzoni's portrayal of Don Abbondio differs from a purely critical or condemning portrayal?

Pirandello argues that Manzoni does not condemn Don Abbondio outright but rather portrays him with a certain sympathy. He presents the priest's weaknesses as understandable, shaped by his fear of the harsh social realities, thus prompting readers to reflect on the human condition rather than simply ridiculing the character.

How does Pirandello's view of Don Abbondio connect with the broader themes of *I Promessi Sposi*?

Pirandello connects Don Abbondio's character to the novel's broader themes of social injustice, weakness, and the impossibility of idealized heroism in a flawed society. The novel's pessimistic view, in which even noble actions often fail in the face of oppression, is reflected in the portrayal of Don Abbondio.

What role does irony play in Manzoni's treatment of Don Abbondio?

Irony plays a significant role in Manzoni's treatment of Don Abbondio, as his character is placed in situations that highlight the contrast between his ideal role as a priest and his actual fear-driven behavior. This irony helps underscore the gap between ideals and the harsh reality of human frailty.

How does Pirandello link Don Abbondio to other literary characters, such as Don Quixote?

Pirandello draws parallels between Don Abbondio and Don Quixote, suggesting that both characters embody a kind of tragic humanity. Like Don Quixote, Don Abbondio appears comical on the surface but, through a deeper understanding, reveals a more profound and complex character marked by fear and vulnerability.