Thank you so much for the article—it was fascinating to delve into Pirandello's philosophy and his lanternosophy. Having read part of his book that we're discussing, I had a strong initial feeling that within "lanternosophy" there's a second word hidden besides "lantern"—"nose" (nos). While I'm not sure if this holds true in Italian, it works this way in English, Russian, and Polish versions. "Nose" sits in the middle, just as it does on the face. This will become the plot twist in our book. Your chosen Magritte illustration reinforces this idea perfectly—the huge nose transforming into a smoking pipe represents mask, perspective, and illusion all at once. If this nose found its way in unintentionally, that makes it even more brilliant within Pirandello's philosophy.
I'm ready to immerse myself in his paradoxes, in this unresolvable conflict—and illuminate my surroundings with my dim lamp.
The world play doesn't work in Italian and I never noticed it before, but you know what? I love it! It's brilliant. And a valid and magnificent interpretation, since the way you're going to experience the book is personal and relative, why not add a nose metaphor to it? Either Pirandello had noticed it already or would have been mad with glee upon learning it. Glad to have you along, Dana!
I found this wordplay amusing. It's a shame that it only works in translations, although perhaps this too is a kind of lanternosophy, when more meaning opens up in other languages. After all, language itself is also a kind of limitation for thought. I've read the first part: I really enjoyed it, and now I'm looking forward to insights from your article.
Great introduction Ellie - thank you! I'm completely new to Pirandello. I've got a copy of the book but will probably lag dreadfully behind while I finish up with the To the Lighthouse readalong!
Or—and hear me out! OR you're not lagging behind but you have a wonderful book waiting for you if and when it's the right time for it. Love you, Tash ❤️
Thank you for this introduction. I think it's very helpful in understanding a work of fiction to know what the author's view of reality is. It can be hard to make any sense of a story without knowing what is being quietly assumed. I'm sorry to say I know hardly anything about Italian philosophy, so I expect I'm going to enjoy this a lot.
It's always difficult to strike a balance, I tried not to overdo it with the more philosophical aspects. Or l, more accurately, I didn't won't to rely on theory only when it's much more entertaining and rewarding to absorb Pirandello's philosophy while reading the book. I'm really looking forward to hear your thoughts as we read on.
Thank you so much for the article—it was fascinating to delve into Pirandello's philosophy and his lanternosophy. Having read part of his book that we're discussing, I had a strong initial feeling that within "lanternosophy" there's a second word hidden besides "lantern"—"nose" (nos). While I'm not sure if this holds true in Italian, it works this way in English, Russian, and Polish versions. "Nose" sits in the middle, just as it does on the face. This will become the plot twist in our book. Your chosen Magritte illustration reinforces this idea perfectly—the huge nose transforming into a smoking pipe represents mask, perspective, and illusion all at once. If this nose found its way in unintentionally, that makes it even more brilliant within Pirandello's philosophy.
I'm ready to immerse myself in his paradoxes, in this unresolvable conflict—and illuminate my surroundings with my dim lamp.
The world play doesn't work in Italian and I never noticed it before, but you know what? I love it! It's brilliant. And a valid and magnificent interpretation, since the way you're going to experience the book is personal and relative, why not add a nose metaphor to it? Either Pirandello had noticed it already or would have been mad with glee upon learning it. Glad to have you along, Dana!
I found this wordplay amusing. It's a shame that it only works in translations, although perhaps this too is a kind of lanternosophy, when more meaning opens up in other languages. After all, language itself is also a kind of limitation for thought. I've read the first part: I really enjoyed it, and now I'm looking forward to insights from your article.
Speaking of lanterns and lanternosophy... I came across this quote today:
I am out with lanterns
looking for myself
— Emily Dickinson
Great introduction Ellie - thank you! I'm completely new to Pirandello. I've got a copy of the book but will probably lag dreadfully behind while I finish up with the To the Lighthouse readalong!
Or—and hear me out! OR you're not lagging behind but you have a wonderful book waiting for you if and when it's the right time for it. Love you, Tash ❤️
Loved this introduction, Ellie. Thank you. Seems like this is going to be a very interesting book!
Glad you're here, Dinesh!
Thank you for this introduction. I think it's very helpful in understanding a work of fiction to know what the author's view of reality is. It can be hard to make any sense of a story without knowing what is being quietly assumed. I'm sorry to say I know hardly anything about Italian philosophy, so I expect I'm going to enjoy this a lot.
It's always difficult to strike a balance, I tried not to overdo it with the more philosophical aspects. Or l, more accurately, I didn't won't to rely on theory only when it's much more entertaining and rewarding to absorb Pirandello's philosophy while reading the book. I'm really looking forward to hear your thoughts as we read on.