Lo sterminio degli ebrei nelle pagine dell’ Orologio : Carlo Levi lettore di Primo Levi

Abstract

This article delves into the relationship between Carlo Levi's L'Orologio (The Watch, 1950) and Primo Levi's Se questo è un uomo (If This Is a Man, 1947). Following a brief overview of passages where Carlo Levi addresses themes of extermination, deportation, and return from concentration camps (not limited to Jews), the article highlights some intertextual connections to suggest that Se questo è un uomo served as one of the literary influences for L'Orologio. Particularly, the portrayal of a Roman survivor by Carlo Levi echoes the character of Elias in Primo Levi's work. Lastly, the article examines Carlo Levi's position within the circle of friends and relatives who welcomed Primo Levi upon his return to Italy and engaged in discussions regarding the first edition of Se questo è un uomo.