Overview

This study presents a distinctly new interpretation of key works by Luigi Pirandello and Alberto Moravia that dramatizes the identity crisis of the individual, a theme that figures so prominently in twentieth-century literature. Previous criticism considered these narratives solely within a European context and assumed that the protagonists failed to resolve their dilemmas. As the present study reveals, however, an alternative approach is warranted by evidence that Pirandello and Moravia were familiar with fundamental tenets of Buddhism, the first philosophy to advocate the deconstruction of personal identity. Combining a lucid explanation of Buddhist doctrine with Western sources, Dr. Stella demonstrates that by losing their identity, characters such as Mattia Pascal end not in defeat, as is commonly supposed, but in victory over existential suffering and discontent.

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Reviews

Readers and students of two leading figures in European literature of the twentieth century - Pirandello and Moravia - are offered an exciting array of totally new insights into their writings. Through a close reading of the original texts, this convincingly documented study reveals new literary and philosophical dimensions to their work, one that overturns the traditional view of the Pirandellian misfit and the Moravian erotomaniac. This book is a must for everyone interested in contemporary literature and thought. (John A. Scott, Professor of Italian, The University of Western Australia)

Author Information

The Author: M. John Stella received his M.A. in English language and literature from Oxford University and his Ph.D. from the University of Western Australia. In addition to numerous articles in professional journals, he wrote the final chapter of Reflections of the Dharma, edited by Dr. Sunthorn Plamitr. Currently, he is Research Associate of the School of European Languages, University of Western Australia.

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