Ibn Hazm vs. Dante Alighieri, due amori a confronto.

Abstract

Throughout the history of literature, love inspired many poets and narrators in the entire world. In this study we will examine two masterpieces of two prestigious literary traditions (The Ring of the Dove (1022) by Ibn Hazm representing the Arabic Andalusian tradition and The new life (1292-1293) by Dante Alighieri representing the Italian one. The analogy is motivated not only by the common theme of love but also by the structure of the two works which is the prosimeter, a common form in the Arabic literature yet a bit rare in the Italian one. However, love is a main topic in the Arabic poetry and was a turning point in the history of the Italian poetry as well. This study is an attempt to relate the Arabic concept and sensibility of love with the medieval Italian counterpart. Furthermore within a Mediterranean framework, we seek both common and conflicting points between the two great authors who lead such an important period in the history of literature.