This thesis explores the relationship between Buzzati’s fiction and Anglophone culture, particularly the re-use of narrative and visual sources in his works. The analysis of the intertextual stratification in Buzzati brings to the fore the author’s urge to convey the significance of imagination through the fantastic mode. It also reveals an optimistic and playful side of Buzzati, which lies behind a pervading pessimistic tone. Buzzati’s re-working of images from other authors and of generic topoi is aimed at decrying the loss of imagination occurring in the transition to adulthood as well as a general disregard of fantasy characterizing modern technologized societies. Nonetheless, intertextual practices are a means to recover and originally re-present the fantastic imagery conveyed by the artists from whom Buzzati drew inspiration. Buzzati was especially keen on Anglophone literature and art; hence, the focus of this thesis, which is divided into four chapters. Chapter One deals with Buzzati’s re-use in his fiction of drawings by the English illustrator Arthur Rackham; this is a process in which visual memory and intermedia translation are paramount. Chapter Two investigates the link between Joseph Conrad’s heroes and the characterization of Buzzati’s (anti-)heroic figures; they are trapped in the mechanisms of lack of courage and time but eventually find their own ways to self-redemption. Chapter Three considers Buzzati’s reversal and borrowing of topoi belonging to the sea monster story and the ghost story; these practices are aimed at emphasizing the importance of fantasy. Chapter Four places Buzzati’s Christmas fiction between the Italian and the Dickensian tradition, showing how Buzzati re-works the genre’s stereotypes to recreate the Christmas spirit. Whether Buzzati engages in an intertextual dialogue with individual authors or literary traditions, examining the connections he established with Anglophone culture allows a reassessment of his work. Indeed, the Buzzatian fantastic reveals itself as poised between gloominess and faith in the redeeming power of imagination; the fantastic alternatives Buzzati offers against the dullness of reality also evince his enjoyment of the artistic creation per se.

published_or_final_version / abstract / Comparative Literature / Master / Master of Philosophy

The Torch Collector is a Magical Realist novel set in Sydney. It is a story of non conformity, history, hope. The story moves between three recognisable but not clearly identifiable spheres. A past, a present and the non identified other, which could be called the unreal, magical, other-worldly or third-dimensional The genderless protagonist collects torches which enable him/her to transgress the boundaries between the spheres of existence. S/he moves freely across filling the gaps in her/his identity created by her/his cross-cultural background. The novel examines life on the fringe of contemporary Australian society. The Torch Collector's position appears to be voluntary, defined by his/her relationship to the torches. This vital relationship prevents the protagonist from fully engaging in conventional life. It is also a story of Sydney. A city which hides its cross-cultural spirituality underneath a highly urban and technological facade. / Master of Arts (Writing)

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2006. / Title from title screen (site viewed on Feb. 22, 2007). PDF text: v, 219 p. : ill. UMI publication number: AAT 3216433. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in paper, microfilm and microfiche format.

Texte remanié de : Dissertation : neuphilologische Fakultät : Universität Heidelberg : 1984. / Résumé en français. Bibliogr. des oeuvres de M. Brion p. 425-441. Bibliogr. p. 413-424. Index.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Tufts University, 1990. / Submitted to the Dept. of English Literature. Adviser: Martin Green. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [261]-269). Access restricted to members of the Tufts University community. Also available via the World Wide Web;

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Northeastern University, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 121-127).

Thesis (M.A.)--Edith Cowan University, 2006. / Submitted to the Faculty of Education and Arts. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2008. / Title from title screen (site viewed Mar. 31, 2009). PDF text: 251 p. ; 2 Mb. UMI publication number: AAT 3331409. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Thesis (M.A.)--Georgia State University, 2008. / Title from file title page. Pearl McHaney, committee chair; Stephen Dobranski, Nancy Chase, committee members. Electronic text (71 p.) : digital, PDF file. Description based on contents viewed July 2, 2008. Includes bibliographical references (p. 63-71).