Odonyms and toponyms in "Trilogia napoletana" by Carlo Bernari

Abstract

The place name Speranzella in Carlo Bernari’s novel signifies the author’s penchant for evocative and symbolic titles, a trend also observed in his other works within the ‘Trilogia napoletana’. These titles encapsulate Bernari’s portrayal of Naples as the ‘paese delle anime’ (the land of souls) rather than just ‘dell’anima’ (of the soul), thus emphasizing its significance to all inhabitants. Through an exploration of unpublished letters between Bernari and his publisher Vallecchi, discussions regarding the choice of the novel’s cover are examined, shedding light on the significance of the repeated mention and personification of ‘Speranzella’ within the narrative. Furthermore, the novel Vesuvio e Pane is also analyzed to understand the dual realistic and metaphorical functions of place names in Bernari’s literary oeuvre.