Norman Douglas: Some Psychological Considerations on Old Calabria

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a careful psychological investigation of Norman Douglas’ most important work Old Calabria published in 1915. This study aims to demonstrate how in Douglas there is a strong interest in the psychological analysis of his different and complex characters within his masterpiece as expressions of his creativity. This work, somehow, reutilizes some elements of the modern English novel, not, however, the features that mainly characterize the properly modernist narrative that in those years was establishing itself, since this inner investigation is in the function of an objective knowledge of man and his reality. Contrariwise, an aspect that significantly emerges within the work consists of a psychological investigation as a research of certain relevant themes present in the work and critical analysis of the characters in which the predominant feature is the subjectivity which belongs to one’s own individuality. Another element that is taken into consideration and which is regarded as important within the narrative is the description of the Calabrian countryside and the commentary on the culture and traditions of the Italian region in which the novel takes place.