Simbol și mister în nuvelele lui Arrigo Boito
Symbolism and Mystery in the Short Stories of Arrigo Boito

Summary/Abstract: Arrigo Boito, a pivotal figure in the transition from Italian Romanticism to Modernism, intricately weaves symbolism and mystery in his published collection of short stories, Idées Fixes. While primarily recognized as a composer and librettist, Boito's literary works reveal a profound engagement with contemporary philosophical debates and artistic movements, including, among others, Romanticism, Realism and Naturalism. His narratives often blur the lines between reality and the fantastic, exploring existential themes and dualities, as exemplified in stories like Lezione di anatomia and L’alfier nero. Boito's fascination with the "fixed idea" highlights his exploration of obsession and identity, reflecting a complex interplay between the conscious and the subconscious. His work critiques bourgeois aesthetic norms while embracing cosmopolitanism and experimentation, influenced by writers such as E.T.A. Hoffmann and Edgar Allan Poe. In Iberia, he employs allegory to delve into themes of love and destiny amid historical upheaval. Ultimately, Boito's stories serve as a commentary on the complexities of modern existence, inviting readers to navigate the intricate interplay of light and darkness within the human experience.

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