Gabriele D'Annunzio's venture into long fiction, after a promising start in short stories, marked a significant evolution in his literary career. With "The Child of Pleasure," he achieved tremendous success in prose, a feat he had already accomplished in poetry. Over two decades, he produced a series of novels that explored themes of hedonism, psychological conflict, and the societal tensions of his time.

From Short to Long Fiction

The transition from short to long fiction in D'Annunzio's work involved substantial thematic and stylistic shifts. Moving away from a naturalistic focus, he turned his attention to the aristocratic elite, replacing natural landscapes with opulent interiors and substituting simple characters with complex figures mired in inner turmoil. His language became a study in sophistication, with subdued tones casting a gentle melancholy over the narratives. The structure of his novels often centered around a hero of exceptional abilities, struggling against a society driven by utilitarian pursuits. These stories were rich with artistic digressions, meditations, and a deep analysis of fleeting emotions.

The Child of Pleasure

"The Child of Pleasure," D'Annunzio's inaugural novel, is set in the indulgent and decadent circles of Rome's aristocracy. The main character, Andrea Sperelli, is a reflection of the author himself—a gifted poet and painter who squanders his talents on trivial worldly pursuits. His deepest engagement is in romantic entanglements, particularly with Elena Muti, whose eventual abandonment drives him into a cycle of scandal and recovery. Enter Maria, a noble woman who offers Andrea a glimpse at a different kind of love, one grounded in intellectual and spiritual connection. Yet, Andrea's inability to detach from his past passions leads to a heartbreaking revelation that shatters Maria's trust.

The conclusion of "The Child of Pleasure" is marked by a poignant scene of societal and personal ruin, as Andrea witnesses the dismantling of Maria's husband’s estate. In this moment, he is confronted with the spiritual bankruptcy of his society and himself. The narrative, driven by an omniscient voice yet filtered through Andrea's perceptions, offers a unique view into the protagonist's mind and a critique of a pleasure-driven society.

Episcopo and Company and The Intruder

In "Episcopo and Company" and "The Intruder," D'Annunzio shifts his focus to the psychological and humanitarian themes inspired by Russian literature. These novels delve into the complexities of the human psyche, featuring tormented characters caught between guilt and innocence, corruption and purity. The storytelling becomes fragmented with self-reflection, accusations, and justifications, though this approach sometimes leads to a repetitive and monotonous narrative.

The Triumph of Death

"The Triumph of Death" revisits themes from "The Child of Pleasure" through a more dramatic lens, focusing on the tension between carnal desires and intellectual aspirations. Giorgio Aurispa, an aspiring writer, finds his creative dreams stifled by his intense relationship with Ippolita, a woman whose sensual nature symbolizes an obstruction to his ambitions. This conflict culminates in a tragic suicide pact, illustrating the novel's exploration of the destructive potential of unchecked passion.

The Maidens of the Rocks

"The Maidens of the Rocks" introduces the notion of the superman to Italian literature. Claudio Cantelmo, the protagonist, envisions a national rejuvenation free from the decay of contemporary political institutions. Yet his dreams are thwarted by the insurmountable divide between idealism and reality, embodied by three sisters who exist in a timeless, detached world. This novel reinforces D'Annunzio's critique of modernity's erosion of art and beauty, seen through a narrative similar in style to his other works.

The Flame of Life

"The Flame of Life" reflects D'Annunzio's own experiences, particularly his affair with actress Eleonora Duse. This novel narrates the tumultuous relationship between Foscarina,...