Manzoni's Characters and the Many Faces of Fear

Alessandro Manzoni (Milan, 1785–1873) explored fear as an integral part of the human soul in his writings, particularly in his masterpiece 'I promessi sposi'. The article analyzes four characters embodying different aspects of fear. Don Abbondio, a cowardly priest, represents paralyzing fear and moral compromise. Lucia, a victim of harassment by Don Rodrigo, voices her fear openly, illustrating timeless dynamics of persecution—Manzoni's term for what is now called stalking. The 'grida' (edict) of 1627, read by the lawyer Azzecca-garbugli, symbolizes fear of technical language and power, a dynamic that persists today despite widespread literacy. Fra Cristoforo, a former murderer turned Capuchin friar, overcomes his own fear and confronts Don Rodrigo, using words instead of swords to expose the tyrant's cowardice. The article, by Arianna Capirossi for MIfacciodiCultura, was first published on Artspecialday.