RECIPE FOR ITALIANS THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD IN THE MAKING OF ITALIANS

Abstract

My thesis topic is on the formation of Italian identity through the lens of food in literature. I look specifically at four different works: three literary works, and one film. I demonstrate that Italy is a relatively young nation and it is still divided among its different regions, however, because food is such a deeply rooted piece of the Italian culture it has been an instrumental tool in forming their identity. I analyze how the idea of food has succeeded in forming an Italian identity, while other ideas have failed. I look at the use of food as a tool to shape the Italian’s mind over time, starting from before Italy was a nation, working through its tumultuous history, up until present day.