Abstract (eng)
The present thesis strives to analyze the concept of Sicilitudine by examining its definition,
origin, and consequences on Sicily’s literary and cultural tradition. The term represents the
state of being of Sicilians; more specifically, it could be defined as a mentality which is
accused of carrying mostly negative character traits. The research has revealed that
Sicilitudine is a product of both the island’s history and geographical location as it had to
endure great crises in the past. Since the country was lacking geopolitical cohesion for a long
time and has always been the victim of invasions by different peoples, the character of
Sicilians has developed accordingly. Therefore, the island’s inhabitants have become
insecure, pessimistic, anxious, unsatisfied, or unadaptable, to mention only some of the
characteristics associated with Sicilians by different authors, e.g.: Sciascia, Pirandello, Di
Castro o Cane.
Sicilitudine becomes apparent in various areas of life. The following chapters have not only
identified its impact on cultural aspects such as the importance of family or the existence of
organized crime, but have also investigated the role of Sicilitudine within the literary tradition,
which has been especially influenced by the Sicilian author Leonardo Sciascia. Thus, the last
part of this thesis focuses on an analysis of one of his most famous works called “La Sicilia
come metafora” which explains how to be Sicilian.
However, it remains to be said that Sicilitudine might represent a phenomenon which is no
longer entirely contemporary, as Sicilians’ habits are changing these days. The problem lies in
the fact that most Sicilians have difficulties detaching themselves from the stereotypes
associated with their island, since the concept of Sicilitudine has already become a firmly
established prejudice.