Literature Archivi - Page 2 of 2

Jul

15

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

Dante Alighieri: The Original Gamer of the Literary World

Literature, Technology

At a recent literary event organized by FAI Giovani of Vercelli, Professor Francesco Toniolo presented an unusual and fascinating topic: "Dante Alighieri, the First Video Gamer." If you've ever pictured Dante with a joystick in hand, this might seem like a peculiar association. But, examining the structure of Dante's Inferno and comparing it to that of video games reveals an intriguing parallelism. Looking at the structure of Dante's Inferno, we find it composed of a series of circles, each dedicated to the punishment of a different sin. These circles can be likened to the various levels of video games. The…

Jul

14

2023

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By Veritas Artifex

Death as Inspiring Muse: The Ballad ‘Memento Mori’ by Marco Mattiuzzi

Art, Literature

Sailing through the seas of times and ages, we are transported back to medieval times by a ballad reminding us of our impending death: Memento Mori. A creation born from the pen and passion for history of Marco Mattiuzzi, a multifaceted talent whose art ranges from literature to music, from photography to graphics.Marco Mattiuzzi tackles the macabre, fascinating, and universal theme of mortality with a unique sensitivity. The call to death, echoing in every stanza, is actually an invitation to contemplate life, to recognize its precariousness and to live it fully.The ballad, in all its dark splendor, opens with an…

Jul

11

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

Blurring Boundaries: Genre vs. Literary Fiction

Literature

Let's start from the beginning, outlining the perimeter of what we are about to discuss. What is meant by "genre literature," and what does the definition of "serious literature" encompass?Genre literature, as the name suggests, refers to books that fall into specific categories, or "genres," such as mystery, fantasy, romance, science fiction, horror, and thriller. These books tend to follow well-defined narrative rules and structures, giving the reader a clear expectation of what they will find.Serious literature, or "high" literature, refers to works that deal with profound and universal themes, investigating the human condition in all its aspects, not constrained…

Jul

01

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

Harry Potter and the Middle Ages: A Rich Cultural Legacy

History, Literature

When we think of "Harry Potter," the magical universe crafted by J.K. Rowling, images of witches, wizards, fantastical creatures, and enchanted castles immediately flood our minds. Yet how often do we pause to reflect on how deeply these elements are embedded in our collective imagination, especially in terms of their influence by medieval culture and history? This is a voyage into the Harry Potter universe through the eyes of a medieval historian.Let's begin with the most iconic location of the saga: Hogwarts. This medieval castle, with its turrets, drawbridges, dungeons, and living portraits, conjures up images of European medieval castles—places…

Jun

30

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

The Most Exquisite Satire: ‘A Modest Proposal’ by Jonathan Swift and the Cuisine of the Absurd

Literature, Society

"A Modest Proposal," that biting and deeply savory gem by Jonathan Swift! Written in 1729, Swift's pamphlet is a true delight for anyone who appreciates a dash of dark humor mixed with a generous dose of social satire.But before we begin, let's quickly summarize for those who haven't had the pleasure of savoring this literary dish. In "A Modest Proposal," Swift suggests that the best way to address poverty and famine in Ireland is... to eat the children! Oh yes, you read that right. Why bother solving social issues when you can simply turn the little ones into delectable meals?And…

Jun

30

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

The Childhoods of Dickens: Emotions and Sensibilities in the 19th Century

Literature, Society

In the rich panorama of Charles Dickens' oeuvre, the most vivid and tormented colors come alive in the portraits of childhood. The elongated shadow of a famished, abandoned, and abused youth flutters across the pages of his novels, sketching evocative images of an era in conflict with its own conscience. Born in 1812 and living through the Victorian era, a period of intense social and cultural change, Dickens often drew from his own experiences to shape his characters. At the age of 12, he was forced to work in a boot-blacking factory, an experience that deeply marked his sensibilities and…

Jun

30

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

The Art of Reading: A Journey Among Worlds and Minds

Literature, Society

In the digital age, at a time when information flies as fast as a click, it might seem surprising how vital the need to read is, to lose oneself among the lines of a book. But it is, profoundly so. Reading is a practice that enriches the mind and soul, connects us to stories and ideas, unveils truths, and allows us to explore new worlds. Here's why.Fantasy novels, for instance, are much more than mere escapism from reality. They allow us to navigate in universes where the impossible becomes possible, where magic exists, and ordinary rules don’t apply. These books…

Jun

26

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

The Cemetery of Forgotten Books: An Elegy for Lost Stories by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Literature

In the depths of Barcelona, within its hidden and subterranean soul, an enchanted and mysterious place resides: The Cemetery of Forgotten Books. In the narrative cycle of Carlos Ruiz Zafón, this place is a labyrinth of volumes and lost stories, a boundless library that preserves the echo of forgotten words, the trace of stories that once enchanted their readers, but which time and oblivion have erased from collective memory.Zafón, with his enveloping narrative style and lyrical prose, invites us to reflect on the fate of books and the stories they tell. In a world where success is often measured in…