Manuela Di Franco

Il diario di Clementina: Chronicles of an Italian wife (1938–43)

Introduction

Il diario di clementina: chronicles of an italian wife (1938–43) . Explore "Il diario di Clementina" (1938-43) in Grazia, charting the ideal Italian wife under Fascism and WWII. Uncover shifting women's roles, state propaganda, and daily realities.

Abstract

In 1938, the newly launched women’s magazine Grazia introduced readers to the life of Clementina, a young bride who shared her experiences as a married woman. Written by Wanda Bontà, the column “Vivere in due” captured the essence of the ideal Italian wife, aligning with the Fascist vision of womanhood. As Italy entered the Second World War, expectations for women shifted to include contributions to the workforce to bolster the war effort. This evolution was mirrored in “Vivere in due,” which adapted its portrayal of the ideal wife to reflect these new demands. Published from 1938 to 1943, the column offers a unique lens on how the state’s ideals were presented to women, while also revealing women’s daily struggles and emotions. It serves as a testament to the intersection of state propaganda, shifting societal roles, and the realities faced by Grazia’s female readership.

Review

This paper, "Il diario di Clementina: Chronicles of an Italian wife (1938–43)," promises a compelling and historically significant exploration of women's experiences and state propaganda in Fascist Italy. By focusing on the column "Vivere in due" from the women's magazine *Grazia*, the author embarks on a fascinating journey to uncover the evolving ideals of Italian womanhood. The study's central thesis – that this column both aligned with and adapted the Fascist vision of the ideal wife, particularly as Italy entered WWII – offers a nuanced understanding of how governmental directives permeated daily life and domestic spheres. This timely investigation into a crucial period of Italian history is poised to make a valuable contribution to studies of gender, media, and fascism. The strength of this research lies in its meticulous engagement with a specific, rich primary source: Wanda Bontà's "Vivere in due" column. Spanning from 1938 to 1943, the chronicle of Clementina, a newlywed, provides an exceptional window into the prescribed roles for Italian women, initially emphasizing traditional domesticity and later adapting to include contributions to the wartime workforce. The abstract highlights the paper's intention to not only examine how state ideals were presented but also to reveal the often-overlooked daily struggles and emotions of women during a period of immense societal upheaval. This dual analytical approach promises a sophisticated understanding of the interaction between macro-level political discourse and micro-level lived realities. In conclusion, "Il diario di Clementina" presents a highly promising study that will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of women's history in Fascist Italy. By utilizing a unique and continuous source like *Grazia*'s "Vivere in due," the paper is well-positioned to illuminate the complex intersection of state propaganda, shifting societal roles, and the personal experiences of its female readership. The study's focus on the adaptation of ideals in response to wartime demands is particularly insightful, offering a dynamic perspective on the period and solidifying its contribution to the fields of social history, media studies, and the history of fascism.

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