Lydia is Italian woman writer Neera’s ninth novel, published in 1887 as part of a trilogy (Teresa, Lydia and L’indomani) defined by the writer as the “trittico della fanciulla” [trilogy of the young woman] dedicated to the exploration of post-Unification Italian reality “dalla parte di lei” [from the female perspective] (qtd. in Arslan, Dame, galline e regine 128). With this novel, Neera explores female reality within the high ranks of society. Lydia is a young wealthy aristocrat who, unlike the female protagonist of the writer’s previous novel Teresa, possesses a substantial dowry to rely upon for securing her future marriage. Neera reveals the …
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Citation: Ramsey-Portolano, Catherine. "Lydia". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 28 February 2019 [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=31982, accessed 21 November 2024.]