La figura dell'inetto nella letteratura del Novecento: D'Annunzio, Pirandello e Svevo

Summary

This script delves into the concept of the 'inetto' (inept character) in early 20th-century Italian literature, focusing on works by D'Annunzio, Pirandello, and Svevo. It examines how characters like Andrea Sperelli, Mattia Pascal, and Zeno Cosini embody ineptitude through failed relationships, self-deception, and societal inadequacy. The speaker explores the traits of the 'inetto,' such as infantilism, mediocrity, and the struggle for personal fulfillment. The discussion also touches on the evolution of these characters and their potential for transformation, highlighting the significance of their social contexts and existential crises in modernist literature.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker discusses the concept of 'the inept' in 20th-century literature, focusing on specific authors such as D'Annunzio, Pirandello, and Svevo.
• 😀 The analysis of D'Annunzio's Andrea Sperelli from 'Il Piacere' (1889) explores his failures in love and his inability to meet the expectations of his father, which leads to his ineptitude.
• 😀 In D'Annunzio’s works, the concept of 'the superman' is briefly explored through characters like Claudio Cantelmo, who struggles to fulfill his idealized vision of masculinity and power.
• 😀 Pirandello's characters, such as Mattia Pascal from 'Il Fu Mattia Pascal' (1904), embody the inept, as they seek escape from a life they cannot solve, only to discover that their new lives are equally problematic.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the ineptness of Serafino Gubbio in Pirandello's 'Quaderni di Serafino Gubbio Operatore' (1925), where Gubbio is a man with intellectual training but reduced to a mechanical role in the film industry.
• 😀 Zeno Cosini from Svevo’s 'La Coscienza di Zeno' (1923) is discussed as an unreliable narrator and a quintessential 'inept' figure, showcasing his inability to confront his own flaws and responsibilities.
• 😀 The speaker explores the common traits of inept characters, such as dysfunctional family relationships, unfulfilling careers, and their general sense of mediocrity and infantilism.
• 😀 Zeno Cosini is differentiated from other inept characters by his potential for change; unlike the fixed bourgeois character, Zeno’s character is not static, which opens up a broader discussion of personal transformation.
• 😀 The theme of health and disease is introduced through a reference to Zeno’s reflections in his diary, linking the idea of physical and mental health to broader existential themes.
• 😀 The analysis suggests that the inept characters are often from the decaying petty bourgeoisie or fallen nobility, embodying a social decline that reflects the broader societal shifts of early 20th-century Italy.

Q & A

What is the primary theme discussed in the transcript?

The primary theme is the concept of the 'inetto' (inept character) in early 20th-century Italian literature, particularly through the analysis of characters from authors such as D'Annunzio, Pirandello, and Svevo.

How does the narrator describe Andrea Sperelli from D'Annunzio's *Il Piacere*?

Andrea Sperelli is portrayed as an inept character who fails in his relationships, especially with Elena and Maria. His ineptitude is also reflected in his strained relationship with his father, whose superhuman ideals do not align with Andrea's own capabilities, leading to a sense of failure.

What role does the father play in Andrea Sperelli's ineptitude?

Andrea's father embodies a superhuman ideal that Andrea cannot live up to, which contributes to his ineptitude. The father's teachings and expectations fail to help Andrea succeed, leaving him stuck in a cycle of disappointment and inability.

What is the significance of Claudio Cantelmo in D'Annunzio's *Le Rocce*?

Claudio Cantelmo represents a half-superhuman figure. Although he aims to embody the superman ideal of D'Annunzio, his realization of this ideal remains incomplete, highlighting the challenges in achieving true superhuman status.

How does Pirandello’s *Il Fu Mattia Pascal* illustrate the concept of ineptitude?

Mattia Pascal, who transforms into Adriano Meis, exemplifies ineptitude through his attempt to escape his life by faking his own death. However, he soon discovers that his attempt to escape only leads him into new traps, demonstrating his inability to resolve his own problems.

How does Serafino Gubbio from Pirandello’s *I Quaderni di Serafino Gubbio Operatore* represent ineptitude?

Serafino Gubbio is an intellectual who is reduced to working as a mere cog in the machine of industrialization. His role as a film operator strips him of his agency, and he becomes a passive participant in the mechanized system, embodying the futility of his existence.

How does Zeno Cosini from Svevo’s *La Coscienza di Zeno* stand out from other inept characters?

Zeno Cosini differs from other inept characters because he is in a state of constant flux. Unlike other characters who are stuck in fixed roles, Zeno is an individual in transition, struggling with personal growth and a lack of fixed social position, which complicates his characterization.

What role does Zeno’s relationship with his father play in his ineptitude?

Zeno's relationship with his father is marked by dishonesty and emotional distance, which contributes to his ineptitude. Like other inept characters, Zeno struggles with unresolved family dynamics that hinder his personal development.

What is the significance of Zeno’s mental health issues in his characterization as an inept person?

Zeno's mental health issues, such as his self-deception and emotional instability, contribute to his ineptitude. His inability to confront his own issues and his reliance on others for guidance further solidify his status as an inept character.

How do these inept characters reflect the societal context of early 20th-century Italy?

The inept characters reflect the disillusionment and uncertainty of early 20th-century Italy, particularly among the declining bourgeoisie and aristocracy. These characters embody the failure of personal aspirations within the rigid societal structures of the time.