Travelling with Dante: Irish Women Writers in the Nineteenth Century

A lecture by Prof Anne O’Connor (University of Galway), Francesca Sartori (University of Bristol) and Dr Federica Coluzzi (Centre for Dante Studies in Ireland) organised by the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies. 

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This event is part of the series Beatrice's Irish Voice. Women Writers and Dante: A History of Cultural Reception (XVIII-XXI Century).
For Irish women writing about Italy in the nineteenth century, Dante travelled with them: the Italian poet served not just as a guide to Italian history, culture and language but also as an indicator of the women’s erudition and status. The presence of Dante in the works of Irish writers in this period provides significant insights into how the poet was used to provide commentary on the papacy in the nineteenth century, with Irish religious divides projected onto the Italian situation. Using examples from Irish writers such as Lady Morgan, Julia Kavanagh and Countess Blessington, this presentation will show how Dante’s influence was not confined to descriptions of the culture and heritage of Italy, but rather how his words were deemed by Irish women writers as pertinent to the political, literary and religious situation in nineteenth-century Italy. It will furthermore suggest that the inclusion of references to Dante provided these women writers with opportunities to make written pronouncements on the affairs of other countries at a time when women were often not afforded such agency and voice.

This event is run in accordance with Trinity’s Dignity and Respect policy, and its commitment to nurturing a respectful and inclusive research culture.
Please indicate if you have any access requirements, such as ISL/English interpreting, so that we can facilitate you in attending this event. Contact: VANDIS@tcd.ie