9 -- Alessandro Manzoni e i promessi sposi -- Alberto Asor Rosa

Summary

Alessandro Manzoni, born in Milan in 1785, was a pivotal figure in Italian literature, representing the advanced urban culture of the time. His work, influenced by his conversion to Catholicism, spanned genres including poetry and drama. Manzoni's 'I Promessi Sposi', completed in 1840, is a cornerstone of Italian literature. His life, marked by the periods of Enlightenment, Napoleonic era, and the Risorgimento, culminated in his acceptance of a senatorial role in the newly united Italy, symbolizing his commitment to national unity.

Takeaways

• 📚 Alessandro Manzoni and Giacomo Leopardi are considered two of Italy's greatest authors, representing the advanced urban culture of Milan and the peripheral culture of the Marche region, respectively.
• 🎭 Manzoni was a significant poet and narrator, while Leopardi was known for his poetry, and both were driven by passion and vocation rather than professional necessity.
• 👨‍🎓 Manzoni was born in Milan in 1785 to a noble father and a mother who was the heir of Cesare Beccaria, an Italian Enlightenment thinker.
• 🌍 Manzoni spent five years in Paris, where he met and married Enrichetta Blondel, a Swiss Calvinist, which led to his conversion to Catholicism in 1810.
• 📖 Manzoni dedicated many years to writing 'I Promessi Sposi', moving to Florence to improve his knowledge of spoken Italian, and completed the novel in 1840.
• 🗓️ Manzoni's work 'Il Conte di Carmagnola' and 'La morti di Adone' were written, and he also composed sacred hymns and other poems.
• 🏛️ After the Five Days of Milan in 1848, Manzoni decided to publish 'La Marchesa di Carmagnola', composed years earlier in honor of the Piedmontese revolution against Austria.
• 🏆 Manzoni's prestige was recognized by intellectuals and politicians, and he was appointed president of the Lombardo Institute by King Victor Emmanuel I.
• 🏛️ In 1860, Manzoni was made a senator of the Kingdom of Italy, and despite his advanced age, he actively participated in the political process, including voting for the transfer of the capital from Turin to Florence and then to Rome.
• 💡 Manzoni's life spanned a significant part of European and Italian history, from the Enlightenment and revolutionary period through the Napoleonic era, the active phase of the Risorgimento, and up to the achievement of Italian unification.

Q & A

Who are the two great authors mentioned at the beginning of the script as representatives of Italian literature?

The two great authors mentioned are Alessandro Manzoni and Giacomo Leopardi.

What are the distinct cultural backgrounds of Alessandro Manzoni and Giacomo Leopardi?

Alessandro Manzoni is a representative of the most advanced Italian urban culture of his time, specifically Milanese culture, while Giacomo Leopardi represents a peripheral and secluded culture, like that of a small center in the Marche region.

What common aspect do Alessandro Manzoni and Giacomo Leopardi share according to the script?

Both Alessandro Manzoni and Giacomo Leopardi are described as practicing literature and poetry not so much for professional reasons, but rather for pleasure, passion, and vocation.

In which year was Alessandro Manzoni born and where did he complete his education?

Alessandro Manzoni was born in Milan in 1785. He completed his education in the best religious colleges.

Why did Alessandro Manzoni's marriage to Enrichetta Blondel influence his life?

Alessandro Manzoni's marriage to Enrichetta Blondel, a Swiss Calvinist, led him to reconsider the role of religion in his life, which eventually resulted in his conversion to Catholicism in 1810, an event that influenced his entire artistic career.

What significant work did Alessandro Manzoni dedicate many years to writing?

Alessandro Manzoni dedicated many years to writing 'I Promessi Sposi' (The Betrothed), a novel that he completed in 1840.

What historical event did Alessandro Manzoni celebrate with his poem 'Il Cinque Maggio'?

Alessandro Manzoni celebrated the historical event of the revolution in Piedmont against Austria with his poem 'Il Cinque Maggio'.

How was Alessandro Manzoni's prestige recognized during his lifetime?

Alessandro Manzoni's prestige was recognized by all the intellectuals and politicians of his country. King Victor Emmanuel I appointed him president of the Lombardo Institute, and in 1860, he was made a senator of the Kingdom of Italy.

In what year did Alessandro Manzoni die and at what age?

Alessandro Manzoni died on May 22, 1873, at the age of 88.

How did Alessandro Manzoni's life span reflect the historical period he lived through?

Alessandro Manzoni's life spanned a significant part of European and Italian history, from the Enlightenment and revolutionary period, through the entire Napoleonic era, the restoration, the most active and dynamic phase of the Risorgimento, and up to the achievement of Italian unification.

What political stance did Alessandro Manzoni take regarding the unification of Italy?

Alessandro Manzoni was in favor of the unification of Italy. He accepted the position of senator of the Kingdom of Italy in 1869 and actively participated in the political process by voting on the transfer of the capital from Turin to Florence and then to Rome.