Social and Moral Elements in the Poem “Il Giorno” by Giuseppe Parini

Abstract

Giuseppe Parini is considered one of the pioneers of the 18th century Italian Enlightenment period. Among many of his works which he wrote during his entire life, the most known is his work entitled Il Giorno which is composed of four main parts where different periods of a young aristocrat’s daily life flow are described. This work is also a kind of ironic poem where the mastership of the poet can be seen. With the effects of the Enligtenment period in which he lived, Parini defends the values of equality by providing examples. He criticizes the way of thinking and living of the aristocratic society of the period. According to him, the problems of inequality in society can be resolved only by way of education. The reflections of his life experiences, such as teaching, being a clergyman and administrator in the public area form the basis of his thoughts in his main work Il Giorno. The ideals defended by him in the framework of equality become valuable with the education of the members of society, and furthermore, contribute to the evolution of society. The aim of this article is to highlight the literary character and the structure of the ideals of Giuseppe Parini in relation to the different phases of his life. In addition, his interaction with different philosophers of the 18th century and his critical stance towards the nobility are examined. Parini who was in close contact with different important names of the Italian Enlightenment period succeded in preserving his distinct style. The outcome of his classical education-formation can be seen widely in his works.

Keywords

• Giuseppe Parini
• İtalyan Edebiyatı
• 18. Yüzyıl
• Aydınlanma Dönemi