Panel:

“Voglio morire”: suicide in Italian literature of XIX and XX centuries.

Suicide is a very important theme for Italian literature, especially during the XIX and XX century, although, unfortunately, it has never been studied deeply. Many writers committed suicide (e. g. Cesare Pavese) or attempted to their own life (Sibilla Aleramo), and even more wrote about it, representing the volunteer death in their works (Italo Svevo). In many cases, suicide is both a biographical and a literary subject, being a bridge between life and art. For this reason, it does not matter if the suicide is just represented, or attempted, or represented and committed: the focus is on its meaning as regards writer’s works, and the social and literary context. There were some historical periods that seem to be more inclined towards the suicide (e. g. the beginning of the XX century), or some geographical areas that has the same vocation (Turin, Giulian March).

Furthermore, the importance of this theme is increased by its intersection with other important issues: self-identity, gender, social context, etc.

By proposing this session, my aim is to bring the attention on this ignored theme, with the hope that it will be more explored in the future, fulfilling this gap. Any kind of approach and different contributions can shed more light on this so far obscure theme, consequently giving a big improvement to the Italian studies.

Please send abstract 250-300 words (in English or Italian) to Anita Virga, University of Connecticut, anita.virga@uconn.edu by September 30th, 2010.