Torquato Tasso: Sorrento’s Literary Legacy
People have been writing about Sorrento since its beauty was discovered. One of the most famous writers in Italy is Sorrento’s own, Torquato Tasso.
Tasso was a poet from 16th century Italy, sometimes referred to as the greatest poet of late Italian Rennaissance, who wrote many great epics, tragedies, and lyrics.
His literary impact rings through Italy as he wrote important works during a pivotal time in history.
"La Gerusalemme Liberata": Tasso’s Masterpiece
He wrote his most famous epic, “La Gerusalemme Liberata,” about the first crusade and the battle for Jerusalem.
His work is renowned for his grand depictions of the battles and the deep emotions of his characters. This balance is that of a true poet and what makes him well deserving of his legacy.
"Aminta": A Drama of Love and Despair
His drama, “Aminta,” contains themes of love and despair.
A young shepherd-poet falls deeply in love with Sylvia who rejects his efforts until the lovers unite after an attempted suicide.
Tasso’s ability to write about a wide variety of topics with such detail and passion is what makes him so noteworthy.
Lyric Poetry: Blending Love and Religion
Tasso’s lyric poetry combines topics from his epics and dramas with themes of love and religion which encapsulates what it was like to live in the Italian Renaissance Period.
This period was a time of rebirth where art and literature were plentiful, and science and technology were advancing.
Tasso was just one moving part of the renaissance, but his contributions reign remembered as his name is scattered around modern-day Sorrento in honor, most commonly in Tasso Square.
Here a statue of him lies to remind the town of one of its most beloved sons.
Sorrento’s Tribute to Tasso
Tasso’s figure standing among the main square in Sorrento represents more than just his literary impact, it tells the story of the Spanish Inquisition in the Kingdom of Naples.
His father, Bernardo Tasso, was a member of a resistance movement against the introduction of the Spanish Inquisition in Naples and eventually had to flee with his son.
They moved from court to court in Central and Northern Italy where Tasso learned the courts from his father and gained an education.
The historical event that forced the Tasso family out of Sorrento, was also the event that inspired and spread the poet’s work around Italy.
A Personal Reflection on Tasso’s Inspiration
Likewise, to Tasso, I am a writer living in Sorrento.
My works may not be as famous as his, but I can attest to how inspiring Italy is and to call myself a writer in Sorrento.
When I need inspiration, it is always helpful to walk past his figure that towers above the main square that leads into old Sorrento and imagine what it would be like to have grown up here and gone on to be such a successful writer!
Ciao,
Emma!
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