Obscenity and heuristic tension in the writing of Carlo Emilio Gadda

Abstract

Carlo Emilio Gadda revitalizes the use of obscenity in many of his works based upon a solid traditional foundation; obscenity does not only consist of outbursts or mockery; it also bears a heuristic function. Through the expression of obscenity, literature reclaims a space of protest and of mockery in the face of official culture, sweetened and exclusive

Corresponding author: Antonio Zollino, Università Cattolica di Milano, Largo Gemelli 1, 20123 Milano, Italia. Email: antonio.zollino@unicatt.it