Anna Zuccari, Lydia [Lydia]

Catherine Ramsey-Portolano (The American University of Rome)
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Lydia

is Italian woman writer Neera’s ninth novel, published in 1887 as part of a trilogy (

Teresa, Lydia

and

L’indomani

) defined by the writer as the “trittico della fanciulla” [trilogy of the young woman] dedicated to the exploration of post-Unification Italian reality “dalla parte di lei” [from the female perspective] (qtd. in Arslan,

Dame, galline e regine

128). With this novel, Neera explores female reality within the high ranks of society. Lydia is a young wealthy aristocrat who, unlike the female protagonist of the writer’s previous novel

Teresa

, possesses a substantial dowry to rely upon for securing her future marriage. Neera reveals the difficulty, however, also for women of elevated social status to marry according to their personal aspirations, avoiding social,…

1253 words

Citation: Ramsey-Portolano, Catherine. "Lydia". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 28 February 2019 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=31982, accessed 31 October 2024.]

31982 Lydia 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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