Critiquing capitalist ideology in Italo Calvino's the path to the Spiders’ Nests

Abstract

This thesis on Italo Calvino's The Path to the Spiders’ Nests examines how major characters' schizophrenic acts have the potential to subvert the capitalist ideology of Italian regime during the period of Second World War. It analyzes the novel from the perspective of schizoanalysis using ideas of Deleuze and Guattari's concept of schizoanalysis. Schizophrenic characteristics of the play display subversive politics with the radical potential to overthrow capitalistic ideals. In an attempt to resist fascist regime, Pin, Kim and Dritto attempt join partisan groups. In their acts, they become chaotic, disruptive and rebellious. They do not conform to the ideology of the regime. Moreover, Pin's childish acts whims reflect schizophrenic behavior as he imitates the activities of adult. Their innocent imitation proves to be revolutionary and their acts and desires lead them to a different world of their own. Thus, in their acts, they end up becoming split or schizophrenic personalities, which helps them cope with totalizing or repressive capitalist ideology of their society.