The narcissistic component of eros: some a few notes on «La strada per Roma» and Paolo Volponi's first poem

Abstract

The article considers a significant aspect of Strada per Roma, namely the narcissistic personality of the main protagonist, the young Guido Corsalini, and the sensual valence of Paolo Volponi's early poetic production written at the same time of this novel. To this end, the essay traces, also in the light of analytical doctrines on the subject, but not only, Guido's inner journey, focusing on those episodes that highlight an Ego of the character that has remained emotionally stuck at an infantile age. Indeed, it will be the experience of intimacy with Barnaba, the separation from his childhood friend Ettore, that will mentally project Guido into a different, more adult and conscious mental atmosphere, on the streets of Roma.