/lit/ - Literature

§(29). Sarcasm a s an expression of transition among historicists. In
an article by Bonaventura Tecchi, "Il Demiurgo di Burzio" (Italia Letteraria,
October 20, 1 9 2 9 ), from which the above cited passage by Burzio is
taken, 1 the element of "irony" is often mentioned as characteristic of this
position. "Irony" is appropriate in literature to indicate the detachment of
the artist from the sentimental content of his creation; but in the case of
historical action, the element of "irony" would be, precisely, excessively
literary (it would suffice to say simply "literary") and would indicate a
form of detachment connected, rather, to a somewhat amateurish skepticism
(caused by disillusion, weariness, or even a "superman" complex).
Instead, the characteristic element in this case (namely, in historicalaction) is "sarcasm" of a certain form, that is "passionate. " In Marx we
find the highest expression, even esthetically, of "passionate sarcasm. " To
be distinguished from other forms, whose content is the opposite to that
of Marx. In the face of popular "illusions" (belief in justice, equality,
fraternity, that is, in the elements of the "religion of humanity"), Marx
expresses himself with a passionately "positive sarcasm; " that is, one
understands that he wants to mock not the most intimate feeling of those
"illusions" but their contingent form whic):l is linked to a particular
"perishable" world, their cadaverous smell, so to speak, that leaks from
behind the painted facade. There is, on the other hand, "right-wing"
sarcasm which is rarely passionate but is always "negative, " purely destructive
not only of the contingent "form " but of the "human " content
of those sentiments. (For the meaning of "human" in this instance, see
Marx himself, especially the Holy Family. )2 Marx tries to give new form
to certain aspirations (hence he even tries to regenerate these aspirations )
not to destroy them : right-wing sarcasm tries, instead, to destroy precisely
the content of these aspirations and, in the end, the attack on their form
is nothing but a "didactic" device.
This note on "sarcasm" should also examine some of its manifestations
: there has been a "mechanical " parrot-like manifestation (or one
that has assumed this character through "abuse") which has even generated
a type of code or jargon and which could give rise to biting observations.
(For example, when the words "civilization" or "civilized" are
always accompanied by the adjective "self-styled, " the doubt could arise
that one may believe in the existence of an abstract, exemplary "civilization,
" or that one may, at any rate, behave as if one believed in it- one
could, that is, obtain a result which is probably the exact opposite of the
one intended. ) One must also analyze its meaning in Marx, as a transitional
expression which seeks to establish a break from the old conceptions
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Gramsci modernized Machiavelli

General thoughts on the writings of Antonio Gramsci, any parts of the prison notebooks that really made you think?

What would he have to say about the 21st century if he could see it, would he bring out the post-meta-modern prince?