Born in 1839 in Mineo, Luigi Capuana established himself as a central figure in Italian Verismo through his relentless commitment to literary naturalism. As both a journalist and a novelist, he sought to reconcile scientific objectivity with the aesthetic demands of fiction, significantly influencing the trajectory of Italian narrative style during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Early Political and Literary Formation
Before dedicating himself to literature, Capuana pursued a path shaped by liberal patriotism. After brief education at the Royal College of Bronte, he enrolled at the University of Catania in 1857. By 1860, he abandoned his law studies to participate in the insurrection led by Garibaldi, serving as secretary of the Secret Committee of Insurrection in Mineo. In 1861, he released his first dramatic legend, Garibaldi. Moving to Florence in 1864, he refined his craft as a theatre critic for La Nazione, which allowed him to engage deeply with international literary trends, particularly French works.
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Capuana moved to Milan in 1875, where his work for Il Corriere della Sera and La Nuova Antologia brought him into contact with Giovanni Verga. Together, they developed the theory of Verismo, which emphasized the 'impersonality' of the author. Inspired by the methods of Émile Zola, Capuana argued that novelists should function like scientists, observing human behavior through the lenses of heredity and environmental conditions. His novel Giacinta, published in 1879, remains a primary example of this naturalist approach, focusing on the psychological development of individuals struggling against social norms.
Academic Contributions and Later Career
In 1882, Capuana became a professor at the Women's Teachers College in Rome, where he interacted with Luigi Pirandello and Gabriele D'Annunzio. He continued his academic career in 1902 at the University of Catania, teaching lexicography and statistics. His later literary output was vast, spanning children's fables such as C'era una volta and Scurpiddu, as well as Sicilian-dialect plays. His 1901 masterpiece, Il marchese di Roccaverdina, explored themes of guilt and madness, cementing his reputation. He died in 1915, leaving behind a substantial body of work including his final publications such as Gli Americani di Rabbato.
Fast facts
- Born: 1839, Mineo
- Died: 1915, Catania
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Italy
- Notable work: Il marchese di Roccaverdina
- Spouse: Adelaide Bernardini
- Key association: Giovanni Verga
- Academic post: University of Catania
- Burial site: Cemetery of Mineo
Questions readers ask
What was the core principle of Capuana's literary theory?
He advocated for the 'impersonality' of the artist, suggesting that writers should observe reality as scientists do, focusing on the laws of nature and heredity.
Which of his works is considered his masterpiece?
His 1901 novel, Il marchese di Roccaverdina, which examines the psychological decline of a Sicilian marquis following a crime driven by jealousy.
Achievements
- Notable work: Il marchese di Roccaverdina
- Genres: poetry
