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Summary Study Guide: Christ Stopped At Eboli By Carlo Levi

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Summary & Study Guide Christ Stopped at Eboli by Carlo Levi

by Jeffrey Brautigam

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	181 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	57 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Plot Summary

Christ Stopped at Eboli is a semi-autobiographical novel by Italian writer Carlo Levi. It was first published in 1945 and is considered one of the most important works of Italian literature of the 20th century.

The novel tells the story of Levi's experience as a political exile in the remote village of Gagliano in southern Italy. Levi was sent to Gagliano in 1935 after being arrested for his anti-Fascist activities. He spent a year in the village, during which time he became acquainted with the local people and their customs.

Christ Stopped at Eboli is a powerful and moving account of life in a remote and forgotten corner of Italy. Levi's descriptions of the poverty, ignorance, and superstition of the villagers are both heartbreaking and eye-opening. The novel also provides a valuable insight into the political and social conditions of Italy under Fascism.

Character Analysis

The main characters in Christ Stopped at Eboli are Carlo Levi himself and the people of Gagliano. Levi is a complex and contradictory character. He is a brilliant intellectual and a committed anti-Fascist, but he is also arrogant and judgmental. The people of Gagliano are simple and uneducated, but they are also kind and hospitable. Levi's interactions with the villagers help him to see the world from a different perspective and to appreciate the value of human connection.

Themes

The main themes of Christ Stopped at Eboli are the clash between modernity and tradition, the importance of human connection, and the power of art. Levi's experiences in Gagliano show him the vast gulf between the modern world and the traditional world of the villagers. He also learns the importance of human connection and the power of art to bridge these divides.

Important Quotes

"Christ stopped at Eboli." - This is the famous opening line of the novel. It refers to the fact that the Catholic Church has not reached the remote village of Gagliano. The villagers are still living in a pre-Christian world, and their beliefs and customs are a mixture of paganism and superstition.

"The people of Gagliano are not civilized, but they are not savages. They are simply different from us." - This quote shows Levi's growing understanding of the villagers. He realizes that they are not inferior to him, but simply different. He also learns to appreciate their kindness and hospitality.

"Art is the only thing that can save us from despair." - This quote shows the importance of art in Levi's life. Art is a way for him to express his experiences and to connect with others. It is also a source of hope and inspiration.

Christ Stopped at Eboli is a powerful and moving novel that offers a unique insight into life in a remote and forgotten corner of Italy. Levi's descriptions of the poverty, ignorance, and superstition of the villagers are both heartbreaking and eye-opening. The novel also provides a valuable insight into the political and social conditions of Italy under Fascism.

Christ Stopped at Eboli is a must-read for anyone interested in Italian history, culture, or politics. It is also a powerful and moving story about the human condition.

Summary & Study Guide Christ Stopped at Eboli by Carlo Levi

by Jeffrey Brautigam

5 out of 5