We encourage you to buy and read the full version of Umberto Eco’s book! But if you can’t, due to the Corvid 19 emergency, here’s Chapter 1 of our ‘Riassunto facilitato per studenti di italiano L2, da Francesca Colombo’, which corresponds approximately to pp. 1-47 of my paperback Italian version, so up to the end of ‘Primo giorno – TERZA’.
Join the discussion by scrolling down to the bottom of this page and leaving a comment on this page – comments will be pre-moderated – your email address will not be published or used for any other purpose.
In lontananza si erge l’imponente abbazia che fa contrasto con il terreno bianco, ricoperto di neve.
Il frate francescano Guglielmo da Baskerville avanza verso l’entrata. “Finalmente siamo a destinazione!” dice al suo giovane discepolo, il frate benedettino Adso da Melk.
Il ragazzo rimane a contemplare per un istante il grande torrione dell’edificio. “Quella è una delle biblioteche più importanti e fornite del mondo, caro Adso” spiega Guglielmo.
Guglielmo è stato invitato all’abbazia per fare da mediatore e rappresentante dell’Imperatore Ludovico e dovrà incontrare gli ambasciatori del papa Giovanni XXII.
Ai due ospiti si fanno improvvisamente incontro un gruppo di monaci trafelati, uno di loro chiede: “Non avete per caso visto un cavallo nero?”
“No” risponde Guglielmo, e prosegue: “Ma posso dirvi che Brunello, il piccolo cavallo dell’abate, è sceso per quel sentiero”.
Tutti i presenti sono allibiti… come avrà fatto? Guglielmo non ha mai messo piede in questa abbazia, non ha mai conosciuto l’abate, figuriamoci il suo cavallo! I monaci seguono le sue indicazioni e ritornano, poco dopo, col cavallo nero.
Adso sa che il suo maestro è un grande osservatore della natura, è studioso di astronomia, conosce le piante ed è anche filosofo. Insomma: Guglielmo è abituato a osservare, investigare, interpretare i fenomeni… Eppure Adso è sbalordito, e chiede: “Maestro, come ci siete riuscito?”
Guglielmo sorride orgoglioso: “Nella neve ho visto le orme del cavallo e ne ho dedotto che fosse piuttosto piccolo. Inoltre, così tante persone si scomodano per un animale solo se si tratta del cavallo dell’abate! Infine, il grande Buridano chiamò Brunello il proprio cavallo: ho pensato che l’abate ne avesse preso ispirazione, dato che, come ci è stato appena detto, il cavallo è nero”.
I due giungono al portone e vengono accolti dall’abate in persona, che accompagna Guglielmo e Adso alla loro cella. Rimasto solo con i due ospiti, l’abate si guarda intorno con fare circospetto, poi dice sottovoce, con tono preoccupato: “Sono rimasto stupito dalla faccenda del cavallo, gli altri monaci me ne hanno parlato e… credo di aver bisogno del vostro aiuto, Guglielmo”.
Il frate francescano si dichiara a disposizione: “Cosa posso fare per voi?”
“Beh, ecco… qualche giorno fa il confratello Adelmo, incaricato delle miniature dei libri della biblioteca, è stato trovato morto, in uno strapiombo e… sospetto che sia stato uno dei monaci a eliminarlo. Ho bisogno che scopriate chi è l’assassino”.
Glossario
si erge: sets itself up
torrione: big tower
abate: abbot
allibiti: shocked
figuriamoci: let alone
sbalordito: extremely impressed
si scomodano: bother themselves
strapiombo: cliff, crag
Esercizio
Scegli, per ciascuna frase, i termini adeguati per riempire lo spazio:
1. In lontananza si erge l’imponente abbazia che fa contrasto con il (sotto/suolo/fondale/terreno) bianco.
2. (Perfino/ Nel finale/ Finito/Finalmente) siamo a destinazione!
3. Il ragazzo rimane a (contemplare/osservare/fissare/stare) per un istante il grande torrione dell’edificio.
4. Quella è una delle biblioteche più importanti e (rimpinguate/ricche/infornate/fornite) del mondo.
5. Guglielmo è abituato a osservare, investigare, interpretare (gli eventi, le apparenti, i fenomeni, la realtà).
6. Nella neve ho (visto/incontrato/individuato/vegliato) le orme del cavallo e ne ho dedotto che era piuttosto piccolo.
7. Come ci è stato appena detto, il cavallo è (bruno/nero/occulto/buio/scuro).
8. Il confratello Adelmo, incaricato delle miniature dei libri della biblioteca, è (cadaverico/morto/deceduto/scheletrico).
Soluzioni | Back to Italian Literature page
Daniel says
Welcome Book Clubbers! If you have a copy of ‘Il nome della rosa’, now’s the time to actually start reading it. For less able and less patient readers, we recommend you skip the first two sections (NATURALMENTE, UN MANOSCRITTO and PROLOGO), just as our ‘Riassunto’ does (above). The action begins, in the ‘real’ book and here, at Primo Giorno – PRIMO, p.29 of my paperback Italian version.
If you have time, today and tomorrow, read from p.29 to p.47.
For those of you who don’t have the book, various people offered suggestions in comments on Friday’s ‘Nota introduttiva’ ( https://onlineitalianclub.com/il-nome-della-rosa-nota-introduttiva/ – scroll down to read the comments) – there is a Kindle version of the Italian original available, apparently, and you don’t actually need a Kindle to read it, there being various apps which can be installed on computers, tablets, etc. Do your own research….
For anyone who definitively CAN’T get the original text, then our ‘riassunto’ above, will have to do! This is Chapter 1, so with the ‘Nota introduttiva’, eight chapters, and a final ‘summary/discussion’ page, there will be ten pages in total, all linked to from our ‘Literature page’ ( https://onlineitalianclub.com/italian-literature/ ).
ABOUT COMMENTS: please read the Book Club ‘Objectives’, ‘Organisation’ and ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ on this page ( https://onlineitalianclub.com/book-club-il-nome-della-rosa-di-umberto-eco-read-me-first/ ) before participating. Ideally, we will continue the ‘conversation’ on each new page (so this is 2/10 and appropriate for comments on the first section of the story). If you haven’t commented before, your comment will be pre-moderated, which might take a while if it’s night where I live. Otherwise, your comments should be visibile immediately or very soon. N.b. your email address is required, but will not be published or used for any other purpose.
Buona lettura!
Kathy James says
I have found a hard copy on Amazon, but it won’t arrive till May 4! In the meantime, I’ll make do with listening & with Daniel’s excellent advice & helpful pages.
Donna Lizzio says
Hi Daniel
I’m in. A bit slow to register because I was behind in my email reading but I’m on board now.
I have ordered the book from Amazon so will probably take a while before it’s delivered ,hence I’m pleased that Francesca (thank you F!) -has summarised the chapter so at least I can keep up with everyone.
The book club is a great idea. Also I can’t wait for the History of Rome to start. Soooooo looking forward to that.
Thank you for starting the Book Club. As well as the reading its a good way to stay connected with others.
Doreen Roche says
Managed capitolo 1,glossary very useful!Look forward to next chapter.This is a great idea,especially at this time,well done
Helen Hensley says
I agree Doreen, managed chapter 1 – found it a quite challenging in parts, but not as difficult as I expected. Like you, I am looking forward to the next chapter.
I so appreciate all the work you are putting in to this Daniel
Grazie mille
Helen
Pat Howard says
In response to Daniel’s suggested point for discussion, in his email, I think one reason for the Conan Doyle references might be that it’s a known feature of Post Modernism to juxtapose cultural resonances in this way — a sort of shock effect. The more disparate the sources, the more they catch the reader’s attention.. I think the Sherlock Holmes parallel makes us immediately that bit more interested in Guglielmo. I’m not sure how this works with Eco’s non anglophone readers, but I imagine Conan Doyle has a pretty universal appeal. A while back I read Italo Calvino’s ‘Se una notte d’inverno un viaggiatore’, which ‘borrows’ the technique of the shaggy dog story. (Another good read, by the way, and possibly the most infuriating book I’ve ever read.)
.And anyway it’s fun!
Daniel says
Ok Pat, so other than it being the proper post-modernist thing to do, isn’t it just rather unimaginative and/or cynical? Don’t get me wrong – I like the story – but I wonder, given the sprinkling of Latin and dollops of church history, whether he’d have had even a fraction of the audience without having a genius monk-detective and his rather more human sidekick at the center of things. Unimaginative because there have been all sorts of developments in detective fiction since Conan Doyle. Could a writer as cultured and educated as Eco not have come up with something more original, yet still paid homage to the genre? I’m just a humble blogger, with only an O-level in English Lit to my name, but I rather prefer my writers to have my interests as a reader (and customer) at heart, rather than their own need to show how clever they are.
Pat Howard says
Well, Sherlock Holmes is a classic in the way that I don’t think any subsequent detective can claim to be (and believe me, I have an entire guest bedroom walled by shelves of green penguins and yellow Gollanczes). So You could argue that Eco is claiming classic status for his Baskerville. (‘Baskerville’ has also got a rather booksy relevance hasn’t it? ( I don’t know when the Baskerville font was invented — about a century before Conan Doyle, I should think) and Eco is nothing if not booksy! And, by the way, you could see the abbey as a classic country house, surrounded by snow (I hadn’t thought of that before!) but that’s more Christie than Doyle.
I don’t see that the parallels are unimaginative, rather, as I intended to suggest, stimulating. Designed to make the reader say ‘Oh ho!,
Simeon Underwood says
Daniel — sorry to be dim. For those of us reading the full book: what do you want us to read next, and by when ? If I have got it right, we have read ‘Primo Giorno — Prima’ and ‘Prima Giorno — Terza’ so far ? (N.b having done some skim reading ahead, I found the first part of ‘Primo Giorno — Sesta’ quite tricky, but it becomes easier again after that.)
Daniel says
If you’re doing the ‘real’ book, Simeon, just read at your own pace. Some people (like me) will already be way ahead, others just starting. It’s not a race. The references to the sections/pages numbers are intended to help coordinate the ‘real’ book readers with the people who are relying on our riassunti, and also to keep everyone on the same page, so to speak – metaphorically not actually.
OK?
Simeon Underwood says
Daniel — Given your response to Pat Howard’s contribution, I don’t this is going to appeal to you either: but one reason for the Conan Doyle references might be to do with Eco’s interest in the works of Jorge Luis Borges. The introductory piece ‘Naturalmente, Un manoscritto’ reads like a parody of a Borges essay; and part of it is set in Buenos Aires which is very much the place associated with Borges. I don’t know much about Borges and his work, but I do know that he was very interested in the detective story as a genre and Conan Doyle in particular. So, yes, this may be a set of literary references with Eco showing how clever he is.
But perhaps the obvious references to Conan Doyle are only a starting point and some of the standard devices of other detective fiction will come into play. When Gugliemo has offered some initial thoughts on the circumstances of Adelmo’s death, the Abate says (p.46 in my edition) “Non mi avevano detto abbastanza delle vostre virtù”: which reminded me of all the times in Montalbano when someone from outside — a drugs specialist or terrorism specialist for example — says to Montalbano “They told me that you were good, but not that you were THAT good” ! So it may be that the detective story element of the book will be generic rather than specifically about Sherlock Homes: in the same way that Adso says about the tracks left by the horse “In un certo modo quelle tracce ci parlavano di tutti i cavalli” (p.39).
Daniel says
So it may be that the detective story element of the book will be generic rather than specifically about Sherlock Homes: in the same way that Adso says about the tracks left by the horse “In un certo modo quelle tracce ci parlavano di tutti i cavalli”
That theme, continues later in the book, Simeon – whether all heretics are the same (for being heretics), or different (for different types of heresy), and whether they should all be treated the same (burned) or otherwise, and why.
And as you say, perhaps the obvious references to Conan Doyle are only a starting point and some of the standard devices of other detective fiction will come into play – perhaps they will. I hope to be pleasantly surprised. Or maybe Eco, having introduced his post-modernist tricks, then loses interest in them in favour of something else.
We’ll see, won’t we?
Thomas Vanderslice says
Interesting – having skimmed Eco’s own comments on his book (in my copy’s appendix) where he rejects his editors plea to eliminate or abbreviate the first 100 pages (which they found pedantic and boring to the general reader) the author refuses, maintaining that the reader must be educated in such a way to permit understanding of the remainder of the text. I’m mulling this over.
Daniel says
First twenty or thirty pages, maybe, Thomas. Though who knows, maybe the editors got their way and the original intro went on much longer – there were certainly plenty of loose ends, as anyone who ploughed through it could see. SPOILER ALERT – did I undertand correctly that Eco’s gay lover left him in such dramatic circumstances and took the precious book (based on the original manuscript) with him, and that the author was so upset that he was unwilling to go and ask for it back, but fortunately he had copied the whole thing (all 500 pages) out by hand? No wonder the boyfriend was feeling neglected and upped sticks, I say!
Or maybe I got some of that wrong… It was rather hard to read!
But anyway, being an editor myself, I can assure you that editors are usually right.
Interesting choice, to read the appendix first…
Steph says
There is a reference at the beginning of the book to Nominalism which is a philosophy which frankly I don’t understand but has something to do with an object being just an object, with no other associations other than its name. I think this is somehow central, especially with the title of the book, The Name of the Rose. And the philosopher Occam, (Occam’s Razor) who was a Nominalist, first name Guglielmo. Maybe Sherlock Holmes was a nominalist. Dunno. The book mystified me when I read it in English years ago so any thread for me is helpful.
Daniel says
The ideas raised at the start are returned to often as ‘Sherlock’ patiently tries to explains things to ‘Watson’ – the nature of heresy, for example. I’m quite a bit further ahead and finding, to my surprise, that Eco is actually quite an able teacher (unsual in an Italian university professor.) Through his protagonists’ conversations he gives a much clearer picture of what initially seemed to me to be a very confusing period of history (my degree is ‘modern’ history…)
Dawn Tyers says
Thanks for this Daniel. When you first mentioned this idea I immediately ordered a used copy of the original. It’s coming from Italy and I’m getting emails fairly frequently updating me on its progress so here’s hoping it arrives before this finishes. Meantime, this is a great idea and the exercises at the end do help with ensuring comprehension. I’ll try to catch up with the ‘proper’ text when the book arrives. Thanks again. DT
Caroline Kalsheker says
You could download a free kindle sample which would get you underway.
Dawn Tyers says
Great idea. Thank you.
Mary says
I like Pat’s reference to a “shock effect”. I feel a bit disconcerted reading the story because the historical setting,” sprinkling of Latin and dollops of church history” (love those phrases, Daniel) keeps me aware it is 1327, but Aldo’s way of narrating makes me feel like he’s my new best friend that I have just met down the pub (if only they were open!/ and if he is old enough!). The Sherlock Holmes thing adds to that feeling. I actually find Guglielmo’s description of how he knew about the abbot’s horse, Brunello completely over the top, almost a send up of how you reach a conclusion by analysing evidence. Does anyone else feel the same way?
Daniel says
Yes, I do.
Guglielmo would have looked fairly silly if he’d got it wrong, wouldn’t he? A wild bit of guess work.
But fun to read in any case, as with the original Conan Doyle stories.
Perhaps that’s the author’s angle? I’m going to teach you lots of difficult and obscure things, but make sure you’ll have fun while you’re learning.
Margaret says
I loved the part about the horse – very funny. To me, it also makes Guglielmo human – he’s showing off – a sin, if my memory from a Roman Catholic childhood is correct.
Moya Reid says
I got the book on kindle not sure if my very scant knowledge of Italian would be sufficient but pleasantly surprised to discover that what I dont understand I can guess (mostly right). Delighted with the glossario (saves precious minutes) and even managed the Esercizio. Looking forward to the challenge and it will certainly keep me focused on italian.
Colleen says
This is quite a challenge! I could not resist having a look at NATURALMENTE, UN MANOSCRITTO and the PROLOGO . I read the book in English several years ago, so I have at least a clue about what I am reading .I think I will also make use of the ‘Riassunto facilitato per studenti di italiano L2, da Francesca Colombo’, you have so kindly provided. In order to stick with this challenge I am going to need all the help I can get. I am hoping to make this a happy learning experience. I am enjoying “just reading”and not looking up words in the dictionary. I might look into an audio version as well.The point for me is to enjoy the story and to enjoy learning Italian. Brilliant idea, Daniel-and fortuitous timing…
Lana Blackburn says
Ciao tutti!
I have a grammar question, hopefully, someone can clarify. I know that for Italian formal way we usually use forms: “Lei” and “loro”. At the same time, one can also use the second person plural (‘voi’) to express respect, and this form of addressing we see in Terza in conversazione con l’Abate: “voi mi dite”, “vedete frate Guglielmo”, ecc. Even in Riassunto above these forms are used:
“… credo di aver bisogno del vostro aiuto, Guglielmo”.
Il frate francescano si dichiara a disposizione: “Cosa posso fare per voi?”
The question is: when to use “Lei” vs. “voi”? Is it a matter of age, superiority, respect, what? Is “voi” used predominantly in books and movies? I’ve heard it before in similar context (someone addressing an old person ) in Italian movie.
I also know, that it is somewhat historical (Dante used Voi), Mussolini banned “Lei” as being non-Italian word and replaced by Voi, “voi” is used in southern Italy in families, etc.
Will appreciate if someone can clarify: when to use “Lei” and when “voi”?
Grazie mille!
lana
Daniel says
I’m not an Italian teacher, Lana, and I would point out that this is more of a ‘usage’ question than a ‘grammar’ question, but it seems to me that you’ve more or less summed it up. There are different ways of showing respect in language, some use a third person singular, others a second person plural, and I’m sure there are other options I’m not aware of (some languages don’t bother at all). But there’s no reason that there has to be just the one way within a language (other than for the convenient writing of grammar books or school syllabuses) and in fact in Italian there appears to be variation both in time and in place. For an English speaker, this shouldn’t be problematic, really, given that English has masses of variations – for example, between US and UK English, or between different registers.
My clarification, then, is that you have it clear already. It varies.
Rosalind says
Hallo Lana,
Lei or voi, apart from the present usage of voi in Southern Italy, it seems that for the rest of us it’s a question of which century we are living in. Treccani here give a brief history of usage : http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/uso-del-lei_(La-grammatica-italiana)/
minou says
.Ciao a tutti. This opportunity has rekindled my learning-italian-enthusiasm. And what i’m learning from other readers is filling out my appreciation of this book as well — e.g., Guglielmo Occam; the J.L. Jorges angle…. So, grazie a tutti! Minou
minou says
Woops! Daniel: just re-read your Nota Introduttiva and see that sei stato tu a introdurre il nome di occam, gugilemo (not a fellow reader). Per favore, scusami. You’ve set us off on an in depth exploration. Grazie
Anita says
This is a great idea! I was a bit apprehensive to start with but have now completed chapter 1 including the exercises at the end. The glossary was very useful. I have downloaded the first chapter on the kindle so will start reading it now. Could be a challenge but a good thing to do whilst in ‘lockdown’.
Patricia Berridge says
Thanks Daniel – a fantastic idea! I am still waiting for my book from Italy. I couldn’t find it in Australia or on my kindle, so I really appreciate your summaries. I am also enjoying the comments which has the potential to improve my literary knowledge! At the risk of sounding completely superficial I must admit I read for pure enjoyment rather than to analyse, so this is going to be a good experience on all levels, I hope!
Jane says
The language is difficult for me. I am relying on Adso to help me understand and through his observations and questions to Giuglielmo I am getting a very basic understanding of the plot. I am skipping huge chunks and hope the chapters from the easy reader will fill the gaps.
Daniel says
The more you read, the easier it will get. I promise! And the same stuff comes back again and again, which makes it familiar.
Keep turning the pages, FORZA!
Lynne Ferris says
Well I said this would be a challenge and it certainly is.! I don’t understand everything but get the gist of it and it was very encouraging to read the summary (Thanks Daniel) that proved what I thought had happened in the text actually did. . I am sure things will get easier.
Daniel says
They will, Lynne. With practice, most things do.
Pat Starkey says
Hullo everybody
I have just read your comments with great interest and look forward to being a member of this group. I just hope I can keep up with you all.
Sylvia May says
I started late (due to my fire table going offline and refusing the download at first) and then decided to wade through the 2 sections you advised us not to bother with, so I decided to read the short version of chapter 1. Off into the garden to persevere a bit with the longer version of the chapter before moving on to chapter 2. I think the short version is a great idea because it would be so easy to fall behind and give up. I’m determined to take advantage of lockdown and working from home to keep going on this – I’ve never read a proper novel in Italian before, and i think it’s time I did. Tea and il nome…
Maryam Kerl says
Ho provato a letto questo libro trentacinque anni fa, ma non sono riuscita a finirlo. I dettagli nelle prime pagine erano troppi e ho perso interesse. Ora, con più maturità sto leggendo il libro con nuovo interesse. Penso che il nome del personaggio principale sia furbo. L’autore ci dà una allegato con una persona e modo di scoprire ben noto con una persona e vecchio tempo che ci sembra strano. In questo modo lui ci porta la storia. Mentre io ancora lascio le prime pagine, mi piace la storia ora e le diverse personne. Che complicato – l’edificio, le regole, i segreti!
Penny says
Just what is needed in these times and I certainly would not have attempted such a long book in normal circumstance.s. I’ve found the audio link a terrific help and have got a very old (first edition paperback) translation but I promise I only refer to it when really really stuck. I already have a mental picture of the abbey and its surroundings and Guilliermo , Adso and the horse (of course) and have starting delving into a bit of the background philosophy and history.
Thank you Daniel…brilliant idea. Ce la faremo.
Zsuzsanna Snarey says
How did you get the audio Penny? I would very much like to listen to the story. I bought the Kindle version two days ago.
Daniel says
https://www.raiplayradio.it/playlist/2017/12/Il-nome-della-rosa-fd85e6fd-8bcb-4149-b20a-6d48b9c2f0f1.html
Zsuzsanna Snarey says
Thank you Daniel, I am really enjoying the reading experience! I have seen a recent TV adaptation and it helps me to imagine the the characters.
I was wondering about the significane of “frate Guglielmo” and “fratello Guglielmo” by l’Abate and he replies ” Eris sacerdos in aeternum”
Daniel says
Ciao Zsuzsanna,
‘Frate’ = monk or friar and ‘fratello’ = brother, which is what monks call each other in films…
Google translates the Latin “Eris sacerdos in aeternum” as “You will be a priest forever”. Other than that, it would be useful to have a page number or section reference.
By the way – ‘Guglielmo’ – does anyone else find that a nightmare to spell, or is it just me? I have to copy and paste it each and every time!
Rosalind says
Thank you for this fantastic idea. I read the book a long time ago in French (I live in Corsica) and had thought of reading it again in Italian but was somewhat doubtful when I tried reading a downloaded sample.
Have now bought the kindle edition and, thanks to Francesca ‘s summaries which will help sort out any difficulties, I am confident of making it to the end.
Patricia Lenz says
Ciao, tutti, e grazie Daniel.
Vengo in ritardo al club del libro “il nome della rosa” perche’ internet era inattivo da quasi due settimane. Vivo in una remota regione settentrionale degli stati uniti dove questo e’ purtroppo normale.
Ora da domenica 5 aprile, ho internet.
Ho comprato una versione kindle da amazon e sono pronta per iniziare.
Judy Jacques says
Ciao a tutti.
Capitole 1, just finished: challenging but manageable as I’d hoped, having read the Prologue in order to feel more confident with the rest of the text.
A superb idea, Daniel, and so impressive that it’s free (apart from £5.99 to Amazon, which I normally avoid but, in este momento , needs must).
Enjoying the comments and hoping to contribute.
Raki says
My Italian level is just A2, and this would be my first “real book” to read. So, I’ll do my best!
LesleyP says
Ho appena finito questo capitolo e come solito ho provato a usare il metodo ‘top-down’. Grazie Daniel per la spiegazione di questi metodi ‘top down’ e ‘bottom up’. Dopo aver letto il capitolo anche l’ho letto in inglese per chiarificazione.
Nel seconda parte del capitolo c’e’ un descrizione della biblioteca. Nel passato ho trovato questo podcast, il quale che da il sentimento delle biblioteche dei monastri e il lavoro della scriba di un scriptorium: https://howitbegan.com/episodes/the-printed-book/
Lyn says
What a brilliant idea! Is anyone else struggling with the past historic tense in the book?
Daniel says
“Is anyone else struggling with the past historic tense in the book?”
I can’t speak for anyone else, Lyn, but I remember many years ago figuring out that the passato remoto tended to look a bit like a back-to-front present, in the sense that a verb suffix ending with -i which I would assume to refer to YOU in the present, actually refers to ME in the narrative past form (‘tu vai’, ‘io andai’). And once you have a clue like that, it’s just a process of elimination – if YOU did that, then it must have been ME that responded like this. Narratives tend to be predicable in the way they describe events, and the rules of reference help figure out who’s doing what.
Another trick is to think of what the tense ISN’T, so not passato prossimo, not imperfetto, not a past perfect or conditional form. And having figured out that it’s passato remoto, not take it too seriously. Once you’ve read a few tens of thousands of examples, it all becomes rather obvious (though I certainly couldn’t write it!)
Rob Lee says
Ciao Daniel, I feel like I’m limping along at the back of the pack, a bit like I felt when a 12 year old sent out to do cross country running at my new grammar school. Didn’t think I would be able to manage this but am enjoying it and keen to see how the narritive unfolds. Post-modernism has me floundering though (I’m the sort of person that likes a poem to rhyme) – I did sciences all my life, so I’m sticking to figuring out the plot!
Daniel says
You’re way ahead of everybody that hasn’t yet begun, Rob, so no reason to feel like you’re a back runner. Just keep turning the pages. You’ve a long way to go yet, I’m sure. The ending (last 50 pages or so) is spectacular, really worth all the hard work!
But poems really don’t need to rhyme. Though they do need to have something to make them worth reading…
https://onlinepoem.com/late-april-afternoon/
(Just found this one – https://onlinepoem.com/register/ – which has one, very unsubtle rhyme, though it’s sort of hidden…)
Janet says
Grazie ma ho trovato un errore. Francesca (ciao Francesca) ha scritto “il frate domenicano Adso di Melk”. Ma Melk, che esista ancora e che ho visitato, è un abbazio benedettino non domenicano!
Daniel says
You’re quite right, Janet. Well done for spotting it! I’ll get it fixed.
Daniel
Laura says
I just started studying Italian during the Covid 19 pandemic. I have wanted to study it for a while in order to understand the lyrics of the beautiful Italian opera songs, as well as the lyrics of songs by Andrea Boccelli, as I like to sing along! As my state of North Carolina in the United States is in lockdown, I started studying on an app called Duolingo about a month ago, and recently found your book club. I am at a very beginning level, but I had a lot of fun reading the introduction and the summary of Capitolo Uno! It was like trying to solve a puzzle! I did have some help from Reverso Contexto, where you can paste words or phrases and get a translation. Of course first I tried to figure out what I could on my own! Just wanted to let you know I had a lot of fun and learned some new vocabulary. I plan to read the rest of the chapter summaries so I can find out why the monk in charge of the library was murdered! One thing I didn’t quite understand was how the “Sherlock Holmes” character knew the Abbot’s horse was named Brunello — is brunello another word for black?!!
Daniel says
One thing I didn’t quite understand was how the “Sherlock Holmes” character knew the Abbot’s horse was named Brunello — is brunello another word for black?!!
In the original, if I understood it correctly, Gugli-Elmo refers to some famous horse of the same colour with that name, perhaps something well-known at the time that the Abbot would naturally have wanted to imitate? Maybe other readers can add more or correct my interpretation? It’s also a type of wine, though I doubt that’s relevant at all.
Laura says
Thank you for the info! Now Gugli-Elmo knowing the horses name makes more sense!
Laura says
Daniel,
By the way, I read your comment about Guglielmo — just think of it as two words — Gugli and Elmo, the Sesame Street character! Lol
Daniel says
I’ll try that, Laura. Thank you!
Alice Breen says
Hi everyone, I am finally into the project of of reading this book a bit later than the rest of you. It’s not as impossibly difficult as i had feared. Actually enjoying it. Just found a terrific site that translates the many latin phrases in this book into English. Translations are divided by the chapters/days in the book.
http://www.rapiddiffusion.com/translations-name-rose-eco/