Julia-Rose DiPalo

Marta Arnaldi. The Diasporic Canon: American Anthologies of Contemporary Italian Poetry, 1945–2015

Introduction

Marta arnaldi. The diasporic canon: american anthologies of contemporary italian poetry, 1945–2015. Examine the diasporic canon of contemporary Italian poetry (1945-2015) in American anthologies. Understand its evolution and representation in the literary landscape.

Abstract

Review

Marta Arnaldi’s project, "The Diasporic Canon: American Anthologies of Contemporary Italian Poetry, 1945–2015," presents a highly promising and potentially significant contribution to several fields, including literary studies, translation studies, and diaspora studies. The expansive chronological scope, spanning seven decades, immediately signals an ambitious undertaking capable of tracing profound shifts in literary taste, cultural exchange, and the politics of canon formation. The central concept of a "diasporic canon" is particularly intriguing, suggesting an exploration not merely of what Italian poetry was available in America, but how its very identity and reception were shaped and mediated through the specific lens of American anthologization. This focus on anthologies as agents of canonization, rather than solely on individual authors or translated works, offers a unique and valuable critical perspective on cultural transmission. Without an abstract, a precise understanding of the methodology and core arguments remains elusive. However, the title strongly implies a meticulous textual analysis of American anthologies of Italian poetry, examining their introductions, selections, editorial criteria, and translation choices over time. Such a study would crucially need to address questions of inclusion and exclusion: who was deemed "contemporary," what themes were privileged, and how might these editorial decisions have reflected broader American cultural anxieties, Italian literary trends, or the specific agendas of editors and translators? A robust theoretical framework, perhaps drawing on reception theory, cultural transfer studies, or postcolonial critiques of representation, would be essential to unpack the complex dynamics of power, influence, and interpretation inherent in shaping a foreign literary tradition for a new audience. The potential impact of this research is substantial. A successful execution of this project could illuminate the mechanisms by which a foreign literature is translated, curated, and ultimately incorporated into or excluded from a host culture's understanding. It would provide invaluable insights into the construction of literary reputations across linguistic and national borders, highlighting the crucial role of mediators and institutions in shaping perception. Furthermore, by focusing on "diasporic" dimensions, the study could reveal how evolving notions of Italian identity, both in Italy and among Italian-American communities, influenced the selection and presentation of poetry. The work promises to be a rigorous and insightful examination of cultural gatekeeping and the dynamic interplay between source and target cultures in the creation of a transnational literary canon.

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