Dante’s Plurilingualism and the Complexity of Literature

Join us for an insightful lecture on Dante’s linguistic journey, presented by Manuele Gragnolati, Professor of Italian Literature at Sorbonne Université. Dante grappled with the tension between the natural appeal of the vernacular and the esteemed status of Latin, often holding seemingly contradictory views. This event will delve into his transition from the quest for an “illustrious vernacular” to the innovative plurilingualism of the Commedia. Gragnolati will explore how Dante’s poetic language blends various registers, challenging notions of closure, linearity, and hierarchy, thereby embodying plurality, paradox, and complexity. The lecture will take place on May 22, 2024, from 12 PM to 2 PM at the Charles E. Young Research Library, Room 11348. RSVP to secure your spot.