Summary
Highlights
The video introduces "Ulisse" by Umberto Saba, a poem that concludes the 'Mediterranee' section of his Canzoniere. Published in 1946, this lyrical piece consists of 13 unrhymed hendecasyllables in a single stanza. It's highlighted as an essential read, despite its brevity.
The discussion elaborates on the historical and literary significance of Ulysses, drawing from Homer's Odyssey and Dante Alighieri's Inferno (Canto XXVI). Ulysses is portrayed as a multifaceted hero, known for his cunning, audacity, and ingenuity, as well as his insatiable desire for exploration, exemplified by the famous line: "Fatti non foste a viver come bruti ma per seguir virtute e canoscenza" (You were not made to live like brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge). The video also mentions Joyce's Ulysses, emphasizing the character's enduring legacy.
Saba's 'Ulisse' is not about the mythical king of Ithaca or Dante's character; instead, it is an allegory for Umberto Saba himself. The poem describes Saba's youthful travels along the Dalmatian coast, encountering islets that emerge from the waves, beautiful yet treacherous. The speaker's present realm is a 'no man's land,' driven by an unyielding spirit and the 'dolorous love of life,' pushing him further out to sea.
The poem is rich in enjambment, which visually represents the obstacles (islets) encountered in life's journey. Poetic devices like simile ('beautiful as emeralds') and synesthesia ('dolorous love') are used to convey deeper meanings. The islets symbolize life's challenges, while the 'sails' represent resourceful individuals. The 'port' is interpreted as a symbol of safety and conformity, contrasting with the open sea's call to adventure.
The poem is deeply autobiographical, reflecting Saba's life filled with obstacles, such as abandonment by his father, a complicated relationship with his mother, neuroses, and persecution as a Jew during the war. Saba presents two approaches to life: the 'undefeated spirit' that ventures forth and the one that seeks the safety of the port. As an older man, Saba, like Dante's Ulysses, still chooses to push further, driven by a 'dolorous love of life.' This ties into the idea of his 'no man's land' kingdom, paralleling Christ's statement 'my kingdom is not of this world'.
Saba's 'Ulisse' is presented as a spiritual testament, a summary of his poetic journey and his lifelong quest to bear witness to life. It encapsulates his philosophy that poetry should testify to 'the dolorous love of life,' a concept beautifully illustrated in this poem.