Ulysses’ Island

Description:

Isola di Ulisse (Ulysses’ Island) by Salvatore Quasimodo is a poignant poem that explores themes of longing, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Written during a period when Quasimodo was reflecting on his Sicilian roots and the broader Mediterranean cultural heritage, the poem delves into the mythical and personal dimensions of the island as a symbol. Quasimodo evokes the figure of Ulysses (Odysseus) to meditate on the human condition, drawing parallels between the hero’s epic journey and the poet’s own existential quest. The island represents both a physical place and a metaphysical state of being, encapsulating the tension between the desire for homecoming and the inevitability of change.

In Isola di Ulisse, Quasimodo uses rich, evocative language to depict the island as a place of eternal return and elusive refuge. The poem is part of his collection Erato e Apòllion (Erato and Apollo), published in 1936, which marked a significant period in his literary career where he grappled with themes of memory, identity, and the interplay between past and present. The poem’s imagery and rhythm reflect Quasimodo’s hermetic style, characterized by its dense symbolism and introspective tone. Through Isola di Ulisse, Quasimodo invites readers to reflect on their own journeys, the islands they seek, and the memories they carry with them.

About the poet:

Salvatore Quasimodo (1901-1968) was an influential Italian poet and a central figure in the Hermetic movement, a literary trend characterized by obscure and highly symbolic language. Born in Modica, Sicily, Quasimodo’s early life was marked by frequent relocations due to his father’s work as a railway official. He studied engineering in Rome but never completed his degree, turning instead to literature. His early work, including the collection “Acque e terre” (1930), reflected his Sicilian roots and a deep connection to nature. Over time, his poetry evolved to embrace more complex themes, including human suffering and existentialism, as seen in his collections Oboe sommerso (1932) and Erato e Apòllion (1936).

Quasimodo’s literary career reached its zenith in the post-war period, with his poetry increasingly reflecting the social and political upheavals of the time. His work during this period, such as Giorno dopo giorno (1947), displayed a clear shift towards social engagement and a denunciation of war. In 1959, Quasimodo was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his “lyrical poetry, which with classical fire expresses the tragic experience of life in our own times.” He remains a towering figure in 20th-century Italian literature, celebrated for his profound and evocative verse that continues to resonate with readers today.

1. Livorni, Ernesto. “Ulysses’ Island”: Nóstos as Exile in Salvatore Quasimodo’s Poetry. In Brill’s Companion to the Reception of Classics in International Modernism and the Avant-Garde, edited by Adam J. Goldwyn and James Nikopoulos, vol. 9 of Brill’s Companions to Classical Reception. Leiden: Brill.

2.“Salvatore Quasimodo.” Nobel Prize, Nobel Prize Organization. Accessed July 1, 2024. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/1959/quasimodo/biographical/

3. Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Salvatore Quasimodo.” Encyclopedia Britannica, June 10, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Salvatore-Quasimodo.