Parole Rubate (Dec 2012)
Un libello di citazioni. I “Frammenti morali, scientifici, eruditi e poetici” e la polemica fra Pietro Verri e l’abate Chiari
Abstract
After recreating the occurrence of the dispute between Pietro Verri and abbot Chiari – due to Verri's favour to Goldoni in theatrical competitions – this article analyses a work entirely composed of quotations: Frammenti morali, scientifici, eruditi e poetici del signor abbate D. Pietro Chiari. This text was assembled by Verri to show that his adversary's epistles in verse were sloppy and full of incongruities. The use of quotations, as an instrument of attack and defence, is investigated by analysing some passages that preceeded the quarrel, the Frammenti, and Chiari's answer in the novel La filosofessa italiana . In addition, there emerge some aspects of the character of young Verri that might be of interest, especially within the context of his relationship with Goldoni, and in relation to Goldoni's dedication to Verri in Festino.
