This paper briefly discusses the life and works of poet and author Giacomo Leopardi, who lived in 19th century Italy. It shows how the writer's major themes of despair, death and failing love are an essential part of his approach to writing. Discusses how external elements effected his writing and how, despite many obstacles, he continued to pursue his passion of writing.
From the Paper:
"The distinguished, but yet despairing poet Giacomo Leopardi once wrote, "Illusions, however weakened and unmasked by reason, still remain and form the chief part of our life." This one very important statement is by far the main and realistic driving force of his classic and timeless poetry. Illusion, which encompasses every part of human existence is not only one of the subtexts of Leopardi's life, but is also the mere context of his thought process and hopeless look on life as he knew it in 19th century Italy."