Posted by Sterling on 17/10/2011, 20:30:23, in reply to "Re: The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni"
98.71.94.177
I agree that Catholicism (and Christianity in general) is central to the novel. Redemption is a major theme. The Unnamed is the most striking example, but Renzo's sincere forgiveness toward Don Rodrigo at the end was also striking.
It's astounding that the Cardinal was a real person, who seems to have been more or less as admirable in real life as Manzoni's characterization of him.
I can't help but compare the Italian Manzoni with his French counterparts. Victor Hugo, for example, was only 17 years younger than Manzoni. Even though France is also a Catholic nation, it is difficult to imagine a French novel that has the reverence for the Church found in The Betrothed. Maybe this simply reflects Manzoni's personal beliefs. But I can't help thinking that this novel would never have been accepted in French culture, while in Italy, I am told that every schoolchild is required to read it.
--Previous Message--
: It is impossible to discuss this book and avoid the
: subject of religion. It is obvious that Manzoni was a
: very Catholic man, although it's also evident that he
: was an enlightened, humane, and non-fanatic one. His
: humanism, in my opinion, is entirely easy to share,
: even if one dislikes Catholicism.
:
: Now, for me, the kids' story, although undoubtedly the
: backbone of the book, seems at some points to serve
: only as a cathalyst for the greater picture of
: Milanese society in the early XVII Century. Not that
: that diminishes in any way the story's quality, much
: on the contrary. But for me, the central characters
: are Dom Abbondio and the Unnamed, with Cardinal
: Federigo Borromeo and Father Christophorus coming to
: reinforce certain messages (by the way, is that how
: the names are spelled in English? I read a heavily
: annotated edition in Spanish).
:
: There are, I think, two turning points masterfully
: depicted: the Unnamed's conversion, a miracle of
: religion; and Cardinal Borromeo's lecturing of Dom
: Abbondio for his cowardice. Oh Lord! (sigh) that drug
: dealers and murderers could be converted by religion!!
:
: What do you think about this?
:
:
