One, None, and One Hundred Thousand by Luigi Pirandello is a profound exploration of identity, perception, and the fluidity of the self. In this novel, Pirandello presents a protagonist, Vitangelo Moscarda, who begins to question his sense of self after a casual remark about his appearance. This seemingly trivial event leads Moscarda to realize that he is perceived differently by every person he encounters, resulting in a crisis of identity.
The novel delves into themes of existentialism, highlighting the disparity between how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. Moscarda's journey illustrates the fragmentation of identity, as he grapples with the notion that he is not a single, fixed individual but rather a multiplicity of selves shaped by the perspectives of others. The title itself — One, None, and One Hundred Thousand—reflects this idea, signifying the many versions of a person that exist in the minds of others, as well as the elusive nature of true self-knowledge.
A propos de l’auteur
Luigi Pirandello was an Italian playwright, novelist, and short story writer, widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in 20th-century literature. Born in Agrigento, Sicily, Pirandello is best known for his exploration of themes such as identity, reality, and illusion, often blending the boundaries between fiction and reality in his works. His innovative approach to drama, particularly his use of meta-theater, earned him international acclaim, culminating in the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1934.
Pirandello's contributions to modern drama were groundbreaking, particularly his challenge to traditional narrative forms. He is considered one of the fathers of modernist and absurdist theater, paving the way for later playwrights like Samuel Beckett and Eugène Ionesco. His exploration of the fragmented self and the uncertainty of reality influenced not only theater but also psychology and philosophy, contributing to existentialist thought.
His Nobel Prize win in 1934 solidified his place in the literary canon. Pirandello's plays and novels continue to be performed and studied globally, offering a timeless examination of the human condition, where truth is often elusive, and the self is never fully known.