Cesare Pascarella (1858–1940) was a prominent 20th-century Italian poet and writer, known for his distinctive style that captured the essence of Roman dialect and the common people’s life. While he is often associated with the late 19th and early 20th centuries, his influence and contributions to Italian poetry make him a key figure in the development of modern Italian literature. Pascarella’s works focus on the everyday lives of ordinary people, particularly in the context of Rome, using the Roman dialect to create a poetic voice that was both local and universal.
This article will delve into the life, career, and contributions of Cesare Pascarella. We will explore his poetic style, his approach to language and dialect, and his place within the broader tradition of Italian poetry. Comparisons with other poets of the same period, such as Giovanni Pascoli and Gabriele D’Annunzio, will also provide context for understanding Pascarella’s unique contribution to Italian letters. Finally, we will consider the legacy of Pascarella, examining how his work continues to resonate in contemporary Italian culture.
Early Life and Education
Family and Birth
Cesare Pascarella was born in Rome on 15 February 1858 into a working-class family. His father was a baker, and his mother came from a family of modest means. Pascarella’s upbringing in the heart of Rome, a city steeped in history and cultural richness, played a pivotal role in shaping his poetic vision. From an early age, he was immersed in the vibrant life of the city, which would later become a central theme in his poetry.
Despite his humble beginnings, Pascarella was fortunate to receive a basic education, and his early exposure to literature, both classical and modern, fueled his love for the written word. However, he was not formally trained as a scholar or poet, and his works were largely self-taught. This independent approach to learning is reflected in his writing style, which, while rich in literary tradition, also broke away from academic conventions.
The Influence of Roman Life
Pascarella’s love for Rome, with its streets, monuments, and diverse populace, became the backbone of much of his poetic work. He was fascinated by the city’s history and its transformation from the ancient Roman Empire to a modern, unified Italy. However, his poetry also focused on the lives of ordinary Romans—laborers, street vendors, and the marginalized—depicting their struggles, joys, and hardships. This focus on the common man was one of the defining features of Pascarella’s work, setting him apart from more elite-focused poets of his time.
Growing up in a working-class environment in Rome, Pascarella had firsthand knowledge of the city’s diverse and often turbulent social fabric. His ability to capture the nuances of Roman life and his use of the Roman dialect enabled him to create a poetic voice that felt authentic, accessible, and deeply rooted in the cultural and linguistic traditions of his hometown.
Literary Career and Works
Early Poetry and First Recognition
Pascarella began writing poetry in his youth, and by the time he reached adulthood, he had already developed a distinctive style that incorporated elements of both traditional Italian poetry and a more modern, vernacular approach. His early poems were published in various periodicals, where he gained recognition for his vivid descriptions of Roman life and his skillful use of dialect.
In the late 19th century, the Italian literary scene was marked by significant political and cultural changes, including the unification of Italy and the transition from a monarchic state to a republic. These changes also influenced the artistic and literary movements of the time, with the Verismo and Decadentism movements leading the way. Although Pascarella was not directly associated with these movements, his work displayed many of the same concerns—particularly the focus on social issues, realism, and the exploration of the human condition.
Use of Roman Dialect
One of the most notable features of Pascarella’s poetry is his use of the Roman dialect. Unlike many poets of his time who wrote in standard Italian, Pascarella’s choice to write in the local dialect gave his work a unique flavor and authenticity. By using the vernacular language of Rome, he was able to create a strong connection with his audience, particularly the working-class people whom he so often portrayed in his poems.
The use of dialect in Pascarella’s poetry was not merely a stylistic choice; it was also a political and cultural statement. At a time when the Italian language was still in the process of being standardized across the country, the use of regional dialects was seen as a way of preserving local identities and traditions. Pascarella’s decision to write in Roman dialect thus contributed to the broader movement of linguistic and cultural preservation in Italy.
Many of Pascarella’s most famous works, such as his poem “La Sera” and his collection of poems “Roma, città eterna”, are written in this dialect, which imbues them with a sense of place and belonging. The rhythm and flow of the Roman dialect in his poetry also allowed him to experiment with the musicality of language, adding depth and richness to his work.
Key Works and Themes
Cesare Pascarella’s works span a variety of themes, including the beauty of Roman life, the daily struggles of its people, and the city’s transformation in the modern era. Among his key works, the following stand out:
Roma, città eterna (1895): This collection of poems is perhaps Pascarella’s most famous work and showcases his deep connection to Rome. The poems in this volume celebrate the eternal city, depicting both its grandeur and its gritty, everyday reality. Pascarella’s portrayal of Rome is neither idealized nor cynical; rather, he presents it as a complex and multifaceted city, full of life and contradiction.
La Sera: In this well-known poem, Pascarella uses the Roman dialect to evoke the atmosphere of an evening in the city. The poem’s simplicity and emotional resonance reflect Pascarella’s ability to find beauty in the mundane and the everyday.
Ritratti di Romani: This series of poems portrays various characters from Roman life, from common street vendors to aristocrats. Pascarella’s focus on the diversity of Roman society provides a rich tapestry of voices, all of which contribute to his broader vision of the city as a microcosm of the human experience.
L’arte di fare il poeta (1905): This philosophical and literary work explores the nature of poetry and the poet’s role in society. Pascarella reflects on the art of writing, the challenges poets face, and the responsibilities of the writer.
The Role of Dialect in His Poetry
Pascarella’s use of Roman dialect was not simply a stylistic choice; it was deeply embedded in his thematic concerns. His poems are grounded in the real-life experiences of ordinary people, and by using the vernacular, Pascarella gave his readers an authentic, unfiltered view of Roman society. The dialect becomes an integral part of the poem’s emotional resonance, lending a sense of intimacy and immediacy to the work.
In this regard, Pascarella’s work can be compared to that of other poets who used dialect, such as Salvatore Quasimodo and Luigi Pirandello, though they were less associated with the local dialect of Rome. These poets also explored the relationship between language and identity, but Pascarella’s specific focus on Roman life and language set him apart.
Comparison with Other Poets of the Period
Giovanni Pascoli
Giovanni Pascoli, a poet whose works are often associated with Symbolism and Italian Modernism, was a contemporary of Pascarella. While Pascoli’s poetry focused on themes of nature, death, and the individual’s place in the world, Pascarella’s work was more rooted in the social and political fabric of Rome. While both poets explored the human condition, Pascoli’s poetry often took on a more melancholic and introspective tone, whereas Pascarella’s work was more outwardly focused on the life of the people around him.
Gabriele D’Annunzio
Gabriele D’Annunzio, a leading figure of Italian Decadentism, was another contemporary of Pascarella. D’Annunzio’s poetry, often lush and sensuous, emphasized personal experience and the pursuit of beauty. In contrast, Pascarella’s focus was more on the everyday experiences of the working class, and his use of the Roman dialect created a connection with ordinary people. While D’Annunzio’s style was more ornate and individualistic, Pascarella’s style was simple, direct, and deeply rooted in social realism.
Legacy and Influence
Cesare Pascarella’s contribution to Italian poetry is immense, particularly in the context of the development of modern Italian literature. His use of the Roman dialect and his portrayal of everyday life in Rome set him apart from other poets of his time, and his work continues to resonate with readers who seek an authentic portrayal of the city’s people and culture.
While Pascarella may not have achieved the same level of international fame as some of his contemporaries, such as Pascoli or D’Annunzio, his influence on later generations of poets and writers is undeniable. His commitment to representing the common people, his mastery of dialect, and his deep connection to Rome ensure his place as a key figure in the 20th-century Italian poet tradition.
Conclusion
Cesare Pascarella was a unique and important figure in the development of 20th-century Italian poetry. His distinctive use of the Roman dialect, his focus on the lives of ordinary people, and his deep connection to the city of Rome all contribute to his lasting legacy. Pascarella’s work provides a window into the heart of Roman life during a time of significant social and political change, and his poetry continues to offer a valuable perspective on the everyday struggles and joys of the common man.
By comparing Pascarella with other poets of the same period, such as Giovanni Pascoli and Gabriele D’Annunzio, we can better appreciate the unique aspects of his style and thematic concerns. Pascarella’s work is an essential part of the broader tapestry of Italian poetry, and his influence is still felt today in the way modern poets engage with language, dialect, and the lived experience of ordinary people.
