Memory, Trauma and Mythopoeia: Lawrence of Arabia and Wu Ming 4's Stella del mattino
Abstract
This article reconsiders the narrative construnction of the historical novel in the light of recent critical debates. Bearing in mind the overarching theme of the hybridization of the historiographic and literary genres, the article examines in detail Wu Ming 4’s solo novel, Stella del mattino (2008). In this work, the rewriting of real, once existing historical characters follows a thread of verisimilitude against the backdrop of meticulously reconstructed historical scenarios. By focusing on the use of history, allegory and myth in the novel, the aim of this study is to examine the narration of the overcoming of Trauma of the First World War through the therapeutic value of writing. In so doing, emphasis is given to passages in which the reader is able to grasp, between the scattered fragments of history, moments of the utopian impetus, thanks to the narration of communal moments of being and everyday life practices.Downloads
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