Edmondo De Amicis's "Cuore" and Its Patriotic Pedagogy, 130 Years On

Edmondo De Amicis's "Cuore," published by Treves on 18 October 1886, seeks to instill civic virtues in the newly formed Kingdom of Italy, echoing the sentiment, "We have made Italy, now we must make Italians." Set in Umbertine Italy from 17 October 1881 to 10 July 1882, the story revolves around Enrico Bottini, a third-grade student. The work includes monthly stories, letters from Enrico's parents, and classroom scenes, all aimed at education. De Amicis advocates for paternalistic humanism, highlighting love for the homeland, respect for authority, and social responsibilities. While the book promotes brotherhood and reflects bourgeois ideals, it does not envision social advancement for the lower classes. De Amicis was born on 21 October 1846 and passed away on 11 March 1908, leaving a lasting legacy.