Essays and Research Papers on Italian Literature

A 7 page examination of Niccolo Machiavelli’s contention that he was free of idealism. in Bibliography lists 6 sources. Although he is said to have claimed to have freed himself of all idealism, it is contended by many that his commitment to power itself was a form of idealism. The author ...

A 7 page paper which examines these works of Italian literature from the standpoint of a student of history. No additional sources are used.

5 pages in length. Robert A. Orsi's The Madonna Of 115th Street : Faith and Community in Italian Harlem, 1880-1950 eloquently illustrates how the psychological characteristics of the Italian/American population – which include their value systems and religion – are wide and varied. No bibliography.

A 5 page paper which examines the historical significance of this stanza, as it relates to the city of Florence during the thirteenth century. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 10 page paper which examines how this popular theme is presented in these great works of Western literature. No additional sources are used.

A 13 page paper which considers how fate, divine justice and issues of philosophy, religion and love are conveyed in these two classic Italian literary works. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

This 12 page paper gives a brief summary of these books by Robert Graves. However, the paper primarily focuses on Claudius and compares Robert Graves' version of Claudius to the actual historical version of the same person. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

A 7 page consideration of the question of whether Machiavelli and his teachings were evil. Writing during the sixteenth century, Machiavelli concentrates on the tactics which he sees important in a ruler advancing the interest of their states and themselves in the future in a unified Italian state. The author reviews Machiavelli’s writings ...

An 8 page paper discussing and comparing Christopher Marlowe’s “Dr. Faustus” with Dante’s “Inferno.” Dante predated Marlowe by three centuries, writing “The Divine Comedy” long before the Reformation and the rise of Protestantism that Marlowe followed. The religious teachings of the times in which these authors lived are reflected in the concept of ...

This 5 page paper is a discussion of Francisoe Queuedo's "The Swindler". This paper provides a summary of this literary work as well as a detailed analysis of various themes in this story. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

An 8 page paper which examines the autobiographical and socio-political criticism associated with Tomasi di Lampedusa’s book “Il Gattopardo.” Bibliography lists 5 additional sources.

A 6 page essay that contrasts and compares three different translations of a section from Dante's Inferno (Canto XIII, lines 58-72). The translations under consideration are by Charles S. Singleton, Robert M. Durling and Michael Palma. The writer discusses the word choice of each translator, as well as other features. No bibliography is ...

This 8 page paper discusses these two Cantos from Dante's Paradiso, one of the trilogy contained in the Divine Comedy. In these Cantos, Dante brings St. Thomas Aquinas into the dialog to discuss St. Francis of Assisi and St. Bonaventure to discuss St. Dominic. These verses find the same kinds of imagery, metaphors and opposites ...

A 10 page paper which examines the Italian poet and specifically considers how women are portrayed in his masterpiece, “Gerusalemme Liberata.” Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 4 page research paper that summarizes various points in Tasso's sixteenth century Christian epic poem "Gerusalemme Liberata" (Jerusalem Delivered). This epic dramatizes the successes of the First Crusade in wresting control of Jerusalem away from Muslim rule. Tasso's protagonist is Godfrey of Bouillon, who is depicted primarily as a general and a strategist. Additionally, ...

This 5 page paper examines the Christian poet Dantes and his work, "Inferno". Furthermore, this paper explores the use of pagan figures despite the authors Christian orientation, and this is explored within this paper. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 9 page discussion of this classic work of literature. The author explores “The Aeneid” as an a portrayal of man’s place in the universe, asserting that Aeneas' journey into and from the underworld is similar to the epic of mankind's path of salvation, the redemption of souls, and rebirth, a central focus ...

A 9 page discussion of this classic work of literature. The author explores “The Aeneid” as an a portrayal of man’s place in the universe, asserting that Aeneas' journey into and from the underworld is similar to the epic of mankind's path of salvation, the redemption of souls, and rebirth, a central focus ...

A 4 page review of the book “The Leopard” by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. No additional sources cited.

A 4 page review of the book “The Leopard” by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. No additional sources cited.

5 pages in length. That which appears straightforward and obvious often conceals something significantly more meaningful in its message. The truth that lies within an account such as Italo Calvino's "Invisible Cities" addresses the inherently complicated and diverse attitudes as they exist within each individual. "Invisible Cities" is about human nature - ...

5 pages in length. That which appears straightforward and obvious often conceals something significantly more meaningful in its message. The truth that lies within an account such as Italo Calvino's "Invisible Cities" addresses the inherently complicated and diverse attitudes as they exist within each individual. "Invisible Cities" is about human nature - ...

A 12 page research paper/essay that examines the beginning of Dante's Inferno, with particular focus on Canto II and how Dante uses the symbolism of three as a unifying device that serves to emphasize the religious message that forms the main thrust of the poem. The writer discusses the symbolism of the three beasts ...

A 12 page research paper/essay that examines the beginning of Dante's Inferno, with particular focus on Canto II and how Dante uses the symbolism of three as a unifying device that serves to emphasize the religious message that forms the main thrust of the poem. The writer discusses the symbolism of the three beasts ...

This 7 page paper examines these two very similar stories in regards to plot and characters. Furthermore, this paper asserts that modern playwrights could enhance these plays through the use of make-up, costume, scenery, etc. in a way that would appeal to modern audiences. Bibliography lists 2 sources.