What’s in store for Week 2

Welcome to the second week of our linguistic journey! As we delve further into the intricate realms of the Italian language, we will focus our attention on a pivotal figure in the history of Italian literature—Dante Alighieri.

_{Sculpture of Dante}

Our exploration will kick off in Sicily, delving into the vibrant court of Frederick II, where we will unravel the intricacies of lyric poetry. Venturing into Tuscany, we will encounter the dolce stil novo (sweet new style) and explore the fascinating world of manuscript copying, shedding light on how texts were disseminated during this period. Additionally, we will scrutinize the state of literary prose and ponder why it lagged behind in development.

In our second activity, we will dive deep into Dante’s thoughts on language, as articulated in his treatise De vulgari eloquentia. Examining these ideas against the backdrop of the fragmented political scenario in the Italian peninsula, we will draw connections between Dante’s call for a unified literary language and the multifaceted political landscape of the time.

In the third activity, we will closely examine Dante’s extraordinary journey in the beyond. His masterpiece, the Commedia unfolds as Dante traverses the realms of Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio (Purgatory), and Paradiso (Heaven), offering a unique linguistic landscape for us to explore. We will scrutinize the language Dante employs to recount his otherworldly journey, evaluating whether it aligns with the principles expressed in De vulgari eloquentia or if there are discernible shifts in his linguistic approach. Surprisingly, we will delve into Dante’s use of swear words, challenging preconceived notions of the poet’s seriousness and even stiffness. In addition to language, we will unravel the structural aspects of the Commedia, including its lines and rhymes.

In the final part of our journey, we will delve into Dante’s enduring legacy on contemporary Italian, examining the aspects that have persisted, transformed, or faded away while seemingly staying constant. We will unravel the intricate connections between Dante’s work and the language spoken today, providing insights into the ongoing influence of this literary work. Beyond the Italian borders, we will explore Dante’s worldwide impact by analysing two poignant examples from the 20th century. One instance will feature Primo Levi reciting and translating a passage from Dante’s Inferno in a concentration camp. Additionally, we will explore T.S. Eliot’s incorporation in his work of Dante’s verses in translation to depict the bustling crowd in London.

Get ready for a captivating exploration into the heart of Dante’s linguistic and literary genius!