Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge right of politics, as an even greater threat. The images portrayed in advertising, advertising, in portrayed images The threat. greater even an as politics, of right all the and consumerism growing with associated habits changing The dispersed. of Italians migrated, once again families were split up and whole kinship networks changed from being a largely rural to an industrialized nation. As huge numbers unemployment. An improving economy brought its own transformations as Italy early 1950s took their toll on families who had to bear the brunt of low wages war,the by wrought traumas the from recover to and the of hardships economic the that the family was an institution under siege. Even once Italians were beginning conservative and static a society. of one is 1950s the of image familiar the and remained, Constitution the of of the major parties, changes to family law were few, the well‑known ambiguities any among change radical for will no with but equal, be to citizens all declared roles and relationships. Women had gained the vote and the new Constitution had later – the Communists also proposed a largely traditional interpretation of family rhetoric of the times – and with a few important exceptions that will be discussed in stressing the importance of the family. In fact, contrary to the anti-communist as a primary defence against the Communist threat. Yet the PCI was also prompt and responsibilities, and, as the Cold War set in, promoting the Christian family vociferous in their support of ‘family values’, emphasizing traditional gender roles of normality. The Catholic Church and the Christian Democrats were especially kind some to return to desperate Italians individual for appeal considerable had reconstruction of a stable and moral society in Italy. Unsurprisingly,amongst politicians in such Italy views that alsoa healthy and robust Italian family World was War,Second consensus the of general vital a turmoil was the there to Following the Introduction Penelope Morris family in 1950s Italy* Advice columns, marriage, and the evolving A window on the private sphere: 27 italianist the ‑ pervasive influence of American society were seen by many, on the left and and left the many, on by seen were society American of influence pervasive Yet in reality, these were turbulent times and there was always the sense sense the always was there and times turbulent were reality,these Yet in

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Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge considering a broader range of issues regarding the family in 1950s Italy and will 1950s. the in marriage to relating problems of treatment her on magazine the in column advice Céspedes’ de Alba writer the on out magazines of the 1950s. In part, this is a continuation of earlier of work the I questions have and carried answers that appeared in advice columns in well‑known mass attitudes and behaviour within and towards families as they emerge from a study to date. It is the aim of this article to examine some of those conflicts and shifts in studied little been has process this generation, parents’ their amongst occurring study, which refers particularly to the young, but also indirectly suggests change changing’. was else everything while surface of the family, where continuity and tradition seemed to continue to reign of ‘underground changes’ which ‘created small ripples on the apparently smooth Stella’sPiccone Simonetta to refers and observations 1950s, the in Italy in place took which generations’ across and family the within tradition and authority of sense of moral panic. a was burgeoning there scandals, by public marked already a decade 1950s, the Towards people. young amongst and the of delinquency evils divorce the end of family and combat the increasing immorality of the defend modern to need society, the regarding especially press the against in anxiety an was there but protest, differentiated themselves from their parents. These were not yet the days of public equality. growing demand, particularly amongst women, for greater freedoms and genuine full of role the on emphasis greater ever an was there and period this during dropped home the outside employed women of number the overall them, for up opened had that endured the pressures of ‘double working’. Whilst there were new areas of work that combined role with a job outside the home, whether through choice or not, the traditional role of wife and mother, subordinate to their husbands. Those who aspirations of the immediate post highly was significant, the changing role of women in Italian society. Despite the but change, of the because lack of obvious, legislative Not always relationships. those of a more conservative frame of mind. to threatening appear to capacity the had nevertheless modernity their but tone, magazines and the new medium of television may have been quite conservative in Famiglia cristiana refer to a number of advice columns; in particular those which appeared in during during the post Saraceno talks of a ‘process of mutual adjustment involving a redefinition a involving adjustment mutual of ‘process a of talks Saraceno Perhaps even more important were the subtle changes taking place in family 3 There was also a sense growing of a gap’, as ‘generation young people ‑ war war period, attitudes were and shifting considerably there was a , Grazia ‑ time housewife. time 4 , Noi donne ‑ war war period, the vast majority continued to fulfil 2 Nevertheless, there are many signs that, that, signs many are there Nevertheless, 5 , and As she notes, apart from Piccone Stella’s Piccone from apart notes, she As Settimana Incom Morris · · Advice columns in 1950s Italy . 7 6 Here I will be be will I Here Epoca Epoca

, and and , 305 , Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge and Catholic sensibilities of the time. the of sensibilities Catholic and and aimed to appear thoroughly modern, whilst avoiding offending conservative affairs, current and photojournalism on emphasis an had Both ilk. similar a of of the publishing boom of the period, influencedgreatly by American publications the other hand, both appeared for the firsttime in 1950 and were very much part (Gundle, tradizionali’ valori p. 180). i Arnoldo Mondadori’s con continuità sulla posto era l’accento cui in piccolo nella sua adesione alla morale cattolica’, and ‘offrì ai suoi lettori, prevalentemente was ‘aperta al progresso scientificoe dei all’innalzamento livelli di vita ma ferma magazine. other any than more circulation its 1950s, the of half second the In 1955. in weekly) a as copy first its produced but pages, 28 modest a still Paolo, San Società the edited by women. other magazines discussed in this article is that political comment and debate. combine some of the familiar elements of other women’s publications with serious nevertheless had to take account of their popularity and represents an attempt to women’s other of magazines, effect deleterious the of critical Highly explicitly a Communist publication, it was very closely connected with that party. (‘donne democratiche’ as left the they on women were at all always above describedaimed was it in readers, the all to magazine). open Though Theoretically not magazines chosen are aimed at a relatively educated readership. and the range of interests most limited. Nevertheless, it should be noted that all of the education required to read it was certainly the lowest of dellaall thoseborghesia consideredcon herecerte esigenze intellettuali’, stated that Indeed, an analysis of the reading habits of Italian women in very clear conformity with Fascist policies and propaganda. traditional approach, with an emphasis on cooking, children and the house and a was first published in 1938, and, as Salvatici has noted, it marked ahuge returnboom in production toand the aappearance of verynew illustrated weeklies. It is true that mass magazines had appeared before the war, but the 1950s saw a The magazines 306 seeking to characterize itself as a ‘rivista medio and range of the content, it was still ‘moralista e conservatore’ (Buonanno, p. 15), post the in underwent it renewal of

the italianist 27 italianist the The other three magazines were aimed at the whole family. Published by by family. Published whole the at aimed were magazines three other The donne Noi ‑ borghesi e provinciali, una visione moderata e rassicurante della modernità Grazia 13 grew out of the Resistance and first appeared in 1944. 1944. in appeared first and Resistance the of out grew

‘rappresenta il tentativo, spesso riuscito, di rivolgersi alle donne ·

2007 Famiglia cristiana Famiglia 12 Epoca An important distinction when compared with the ‑ war period, with an increase in the quality quality the in increase an with period, war and Luigi Barzini jr.’s 15 Not only was the Church attentive to to attentive Church the was only Not appeared first in 1931. In 1954 it was was it 1954 In 1931. in first appeared ‑ 10 superiore’ (Buonanno, pp. 14 Noi donne even if it must be said that the level Gundle notes that the magazine magazine the that notes Gundle Famiglia cristiana Famiglia was the only magazine rotocalco Settimana Settimana Incom 8 Despite the process Noi donne 11 (illustrated (illustrated Noi donne Noi increased increased 44 in 1956 Grazia ‑ 45). , , on 9

Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge of whom were the writer and ex‑partisan Renata Viganò (‘Fermo posta’, March advice column throughout the decade but a series of advisers, the most long‑lived dal Pozzo (‘Parliamone insieme’). 1951 to September 1955), and from 1956, the new editor of the magazine, Giuliana to the end of 1958 (and was not immediately replaced), whilst in column answered throughout the 1950s by the priest Padre Atanasio. Alba de Céspedes’ cristiana Famiglia Contessa Clara began in 1950 and was still himself. running at star the beginning television of the the 1960s. by answered allegedly were questions readers’ which in Bongiorno’, Mike con ‘Parlate 1955, in third a adding 1952), (from vivere’ ‘Saper Letizia’s Donna and 1950) (from adviser.the did the physical space magazines devoted to them and the relative importance of the 1950s. The advice column was an increasingly prominent feature of magazines in Italy in Advice columns and advisers to do exactly that. injunctions frequent in the one; each from different something seeking from and magazine, one than more reading from readers prevent not did magazines between dislike moderne’. ‘favole its of promulgators and society consumer criticized the of part they much very but were too content, their in varied more and reader, educated more a at aimed fashion. beauty, and stars, neither nevertheless would have seen much value in women’s magazines. The harshest criticism was reserved for photoromances, but cristiana transgression. any punish to ready and necks their down breathing government the of aware anything that might offend traditional morality. on Editors would in always have been eye interested keenly was close above, a suggested as and, kept media the in also appeared what government Democrat Christian the matters, such Epoca Apparently there was an ever greater need for advice. In her column in in column her In advice. for need greater ever an was there Apparently evoluzione una rapidità che, a tutta prima, ci lascia sconcertati. La nostra La sconcertati. lascia ci prima, tutta a che, rapidità una evoluzione questa a impresso hanno manifestato, hanno che ideologie delle virtù in anche recenti, guerre le ma lentezza; con evolve si genere, in costume, il , Alba de Céspedes commented that: , for example, was as censorious as was as , censorious for example, 18 Epoca The number of advice columns grew over the course of the decade, as Grazia Famiglia Famiglia cristiana 16 Magazines could also be very critical of each other; other; each of critical very be also could Magazines , ‘Dalla parte di lei’, appeared for a shorter period, from 1952 1952 from period, shorter a for appeared lei’, di parte ‘Dalla , ’s ‘Il padre risponde’ dated back to the late 1940s, with letters ’swith 1940s, late the to back dated risponde’ padre ‘Il had two such columns, Signora Quickly’sSignora me’ columns, a such pure two ‘Ditelo had 17 Exact readership is impossible to establish but mutual mutual but establish to impossible is readership Exact Epoca and 20 and and Noi Noi donne Settimana Incom Settimana 19

Settimana Incom Settimana Noi Noi donne Morris suggest that they were continuing · · Grazia Advice columns in 1950s Italy of the ‘frivolity’ of most of the ‘frivolity’ were more substantial, substantial, more were , , with its emphasis on ’s ‘I consigli’ with with consigli’ ‘I ’s Noi donne Famiglia Famiglia had an

307 Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge space. Their function rests on a series of expectations and of actual or posited posited or actual of and expectations of series a on rests function discursive Their a space. as operate columns advice which in ways the of first examination requires an provide do they insights the of discussion A Italians’. ‘ordinary of lives intimate and views the to access unmediated give that source historical of the to this intention are article that columns advice an suggest unproblematic it is not hand, other On the worlds. public and private between relationship the of to an understanding and day of the discourse political to the central of issues magazines themselves. However, they also often included the veryand appalling serious – treatmentand in a sense the ‘problems’ were just as much designed a to commodity entertain – as a the function some of them fulfiladmirably, by turns were they amusing Undoubtedly ‘girltalk’. just were they because insignificant were they ‘popular’: the and ‘feminine’ the both of connotations negative historically the with them tainted have magazines women’s with association their and matter or columns of to them as and attention. dismiss unworthy trivial taboo, and the euphemisms and silences which also characterize such columns. as regarded was what of question the is period, this discussing when important, their absence, or near absence, from the ‘piccola posta’ of the 1950s. For equally next section, along with another series of related issues which are conspicuous by also becomes prominent. These three areas will be discussed in more detail in the Towards the end of theambiguities. and decade, contradictions internal a own their third exposing area,inevitably sense, that of discord between the generations, to appropriate it to support their own visions of society, normality, and common attempt advisers as struggle semantic of site a becomes term the discussion; this the demands or threats of modernity. Indeed, the notion of modernity is crucial to there are various manifestations of the tension between traditional morality and In both cases, there is a marked anxiety regarding questions of sexual mores and and the process of finding a spouse, and unhappiness andcolumns today, infidelity but which had distinctive features in the within1950s: problems in love marriage. two particular areas which continue to form the subject of many letters to advice posta’. ‘piccola the of subject the form traditionally that etiquette vivere’ in Nevertheless, what they all have in common – apart from Donna Letizia’s ‘Saper appeared, the columns analysed here vary in the types of problems they they address. which in magazines the between differences the given expected be might were they As society’s changing. that were perceived rules which they which in or unaccustomed to situations in themselves found Italians many prosperity, growing and developments economic by caused society in shifts further With 308

the italianist 27 italianist the In In academic studies, it has been all too easy to forget entirely about advice September 1952) generazione ha il difficile compito di adeguarsi a questi mutamenti. ( 21 Grazia – is a concern above all with the sentimental and relationship problems , which at this stage dealt almost exclusively with questions of social

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Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge intimate details of their own lives in a publica certain authority,forum. but also seem sufficiently approachable forThere readers to expose were different approaches or the readership of a particular column as a whole). The adviser had to establish the publication of a ‘letter of the week’. this approach, or a series of very short questions and answers, was combined with summarized, often extremely briefly, within the adviser’s answer, whilst in others notably Signora Quickly’s), there was no separate question and the problems were (most some In columns. these to ‘voice’ independent an supplied letters readers’ or the editors of the magazine and there was wide variation in the extent to which letters were also subject to a process of selection for publication by the problem adviser and have and/ elected to deal with it by this means rather a have who than magazine, particular a by read to able another. are and chosen have who those The were genuine, they necessarily come from a limited, self 18 December 1954). Furthermore, even if one assumes that the majority of letters number of ‘frustatori’, ‘frustatrici’, and ‘frustati’ who write to her (for example ‘scurrilità’ her/his for Contessa Clara is particularly firm on the latter point,letters. joke chidingrecognize to aimmediately able are they certain that and nothing ‘Donatella’ invented have themselves they that both point some at assert to choose and readers some least at by sceptically read being were columns their that possibility the to alert link between a letter and a real person. In fact, of most readers makes pseudonyms ofthe norm embarrassment and it the is rarely possible potential advisersto establish a and direct show discussed themselves subjects the of nature delicate The many, indeed most, were entirely genuine, it is equally likely that some were not. that suggests investigation thorough a though Even magazines. to sent letters of Scepticism towards advice columns usually centres on doubts about the authenticity 1950s Italian advice columns as discursive space approached them? how far is of that kind the of representative way attitude and readers magazines tendency has been to refer to such columns in a or dismissive ironic fashion. But terms ‘piccola posta’ or the English ‘agony column’ and ‘agony aunt’ suggest, the the As readers. and advisers, columns, advice magazines, between relationships In thecaseofPadreAtanasio in context of expectations of the content and editorial line of a magazine as a whole. to establishing this relationship and naturally these must be understood within the and their posited relationship with readers (whether the individual letter individual the (whether readers with relationship posited their and group being studied here – the column effectively relied on the pre‑existing model Another fundamental aspect of these columns is the persona of the adviser

( SI , 30 September 1951), or commenting ironically on the on ironically commenting or 1951), September 30 , Famiglia cristiana Morris –theonlyprofessionalin the · · Advice columns in 1950s Italy ‑ selecting group of readers: ‑ writer,

309 SI 25 ,

Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge the extent of which is implied by the forms of address used. Alba de Céspedes and readers, their with closeness or friendship of pretence the suggest also Atanasio) the playwright and screenwriter Dino Falconi. but the fact that it masked the identity of a man certainly was: Wives Signora of Quickly Windsor was 1952). Whilst the name is openly a pseudonym, taken from Shakespeare’s ( civili’ più ‘eravamo says, she young, were we when nostalgic: and wisdom has been acquired through age whose and ‘aunt’, older gossipy,who a describes as styled herself is as hand, old other the on Quickly, Signora years, by which time the column had practically become a national institution. later in known well was it identity,but true her of indication no bears The column Montanelli. Indro of wife Rosselli, Colette by penned fact in was vivere’ to fundamental also are experience and revolution, three marriages, children, and a wide circle of famous friends. class, but also from very varied life experiences, including flight from the Russian column. her in writer Irene Brin, a fact she chose to deny strenuously on more than one occasion Skèwitch – was the real name of the von adviser,Ràdjanny Clara Contessa rather or – Clara that whenmaintained is pretence the in reality it was the journalist and is taken one step further as the personae are entirely fictional. In Booth’s term, from the column itself. actually built up a sense of who they were, of the ‘implied’ adviser, to use Wayne and the case of both, however, it is quite possible that the majority of readers of of the Resistance novel Viganò played very heavily Renata on mores. her and public society persona contemporary in as interest partisan, particular writer a took – she in that particular was therefore doubly qualified. Any readers of her fiction would also have known example, was a best‑selling for novelist, Céspedes, de Alba decades. later in common become would that expertise tended to rest on class, fame, or age and experience, rather than the professional can come only from true confession, face to face with a priest. firmly reminded that the column is not intended as an alternative and absolution them. Many of the letters read like confessions of sins committed, but readers are Atanasio answers readers in his professional capacity, always using ‘Lei’ to pronouncementsaddress from the Catholic Church at the time, but it is quite a reader formal; is contemplating Padre a sinful act), in contrast to the stridency typical of some of priest and parishioner. Generally the tone of ‘Il padre risponde’ is friendly (unless 310

Noi donne the italianist 27 italianist the As well as assuming a certain superiority, the advisers (apart from Padre Padre from (apart advisers the superiority, certain a assuming as well As In the columns of Contessa Clara, Donna Letizia, and Signora Quickly this Unlike Padre Atanasio, the authority of most other advisers in 1950s Italy were more familiar with these writers’ names than their fiction, and 29 In this case the adviser’s authority is seen to derive from social social from derive to seen adviser’s is the authority case this In , the fiction of the persona is maintained.

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Grazia – and Communist Party veteran. 33 ’s Donna Letizia, whose ‘Saper ‘Saper whose Letizia, ’sDonna 32 That was not unusual, Settimana Incom G ‑ , 2 , fashioned August August 30 Epoca Merry Class 27 In 31

Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge Viganò certainly encourages an atmosphere of mutual help and sympathy, but but sympathy, and help mutual of atmosphere an encourages certainly Viganò magazine. the of purpose primary a was readers its amongst community and mixed readership. a at aimed were they that pertinent particularly seems it and sophistication and is entirely serious and sympathetic. Both are written with considerable sensitivity with these pithy responses, the majority of letters are answered in a manner which ‘Pochissime, in generale, ma, stavolta una di più’ ( sapere quante lettere inutili o stupide Ella riceve al giorno’, to which she replies, a sense of collusion with the adviser. Eriberto of Chioggia asks entirely de fictional,Céspedes, section of‘Vorrei the readership, other readers are entertained and enjoy were designed to be read. At the expense of a small, rather ignorant, and possibly wit of these advisers gives a much clearer indication of the way that the columns some letter that fact The subjects). different with dealing usually is she but Letizia, and one of the crucial differences is the use of humour (this is also true of Donna was widely known. identity his that suggest to evidence no is there but reading, different entirely an 1951). OfcoursetheknowledgethatSignoraQuicklywasamanwouldimpose Signora Quickly on one occasion, ‘rimaniamo tutte un po’ bambine’ ( are presented with an equally reductive view of womanhood. ‘Noi donne’, reflects adviser,the with identify to encouraged openly are readers when they occasions rare the On readers. all to relevance their for chosen are discussed problems the that stated often is it irony,and of trace no is There reading. a such invite not the letters with detached amusement, but it must also be said that it certainly does to readers of the column to identify with Signora Quickly’s superiority or to read open was it course, Of vacillation. their with certainty moral absolute own her contrasting by and ‘problemini’, with ‘donnine’ and ‘mogliettine’ as described distance and superiority by diminishing the stature of the writers of letters, often that such a relationship implied. Signora Quickly’s answers further emphasize her their readers as an aunt or mother, and assume the intimacy, but also the sex), but deference the effect is rather different. Both propose that they should be treated by opposite the of members for ‘Lei’ (but ‘tu’ Viganòuse also Quickly Signora and ‘tu’. of use her with friends equal and close between dialogue a of confidence male or female readers. Giuliana dal Pozzo, on the other addressing hand whether suggests ‘Lei’ the respectful, more greater formal, more the use Clara Contessa attitude towards the role of women, summed up neatly in her comments on the the on comments her in neatly up summed women, of role the towards attitude confused a and philosophy, Communist and morality (Catholic) traditional of or ‘mother’. She also expresses a moral certainty that was a rather incoherent mix often does so with a condescension she clearly felt appropriate to her role as ‘aunt’ ‑writers and their problems are subject to the sharp and often very amusing Noi donne The columns of Alba de Céspedes and Contessa Clara are more sophisticated presents a rather different case because creating a sense of solidarity Morris E · · , 27 May 1956). By contrast Advice columns in 1950s Italy G , 7 April

311 34

Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge taboo. Advisers found a number of solutions to this problem. They remind remind They problem. this to solutions of number a found Advisers taboo. essentially were that issues address to way a finding meant this Italy 1950s in and forum, public a is column intimacy, advice the apparent the despite that, is to society. harmful more way a in expressed being from perversions and desires prevented which sicurezza’ di ‘valvola a as functioned column her help, for elsewhere turn not would who those for that, occasion one than more on suggests She 1952). ( confessione’ di addirittura e confidenze di bisogno crescente ‘un be to to seemed there offered that noting columns secrets, guilty such discuss anonymously, if publicly, that opportunity the to points also Clara Contessa the usual circle of friends, family and parish priest should not be underestimated. will be discussed later. Yet the attraction of a new source of information, beyond as discontent, marital and propriety sexual of questions on particularly desired, the many letters sent to advice columns which clearly did not get the response they ( ammetterlo’ di impediscono ci conformismi, i o interessi gli passioni, le se nel fondo del nostro animo, tutti sappiamo qual è la verità, dov’è il giusto, anche risposta sia stata diversa da quella che i miei corrispondenti prevedevano poiché, mia una raramente che infatti, ‘Credo, advice: give not did she that maintaining adviser would give (Sohn, pp. particularly by a desire for confirmation of answers they had already imagined an suggests readers were motivated by the Sohn need for Marie information Anne or by columns, loneliness, but advice French two of study her In friendship. and taboo in the magazine. even if she did not shy away from risking offence by broaching issues previously biting and it is clear that she was keen not to alienate any section of in an ironic or her humorous manner ( readership, 1957). When challenged by a reader, she too admits to ( responding sola’ to da some letters risolverà [...] ognuno che circostanze varie nelle e momenti vari nei valida sia che forza una esse da derivando tutte, richiamarci certe leggi di vita conformi alla nostra mentalità e alla vita moderna a emphasis was cui put on possiamo dialogue and on using the column to find ‘una certa morale, who presented herself as a friend with no monopoly on the truth, a much greater own editorsandwiththegeneraltoneof a column of this nature, in particularly exposed itself, party the within ambiguities reflected this part, In sostegno alla struttura sociale, per la terza volta alla pari’ ( di tutto aiuto all’uomo, alla pari, e di assistenza ai figli, pure alla pari, e di valido way that 312 30 September 1956). This cannot always have been the case, as demonstrated by

the italianist 27 italianist the Another Another distinctive feature of the relationship between advisers and readers advice of offers these to numbers large in responded readers that seems It Noi donne

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28 October 1951). ,

15 SI September September , 9 August August 9 E , Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge praticamente utile ai fini della propaganda religiosa’ ( this religiosa’ of version practice, ‘modern’ meant actually that morality ‘sinners’ whereas neppure propaganda della sarebbe fini non ai utile giornalistico, praticamente vista di punto un da controproducente ad oltre essere e che cioè da d’altronde, di di ogni eccesso bigottismo beghineria rifuggendo e moderna, intelligente forma una it ‘in was that but Chiesa’ Madre linea con la morale e ci di alla preoccupiamo essere nostra ossequentissimi Santa the and she that di other ‘redattori claimed Quickly Signora do. to attempting were or offered they what in unique remained columns advice and differences important were there practice Yet, in sense. this in conformist as described be all can they and authority moral ultimate the remains Church the discussed, advisers other the rest. the for rules of set different entirely an proposing but share, not that openly acknowledging she had no answers for those who had beliefs she did explicitly, more did the same, de Alba Céspedes to priest. their readers religious even decade, the of half first the in Occasionally, Church. help. professional recommend to and illnesses mental a recognize to tendency with growing health, psychological towards attitude changing a of evidence is there on, went decade the as indeed, psychiatrists; and psychologists to and doctors other hand, are sent to the local doctor. There is to recourse also local suggested the on men, young mother; her to talk to told is advice needing woman young Any help. of sources other to referred often claims are readers and advisers authority absolute the of None relations. possible of network a within function ever being used (see later sections). abortion, homosexuality, birth control, virginity, without any of the proper terms In this way,circumlocutions. it is to possible to findreferences sex, prostitution, often when with dealing they taboo subjects, resort to a series of and metaphors doveri coniugali. Fuori di questo scopo, non si può’ ( propri i bene compiere per favorevoli condizioni in consorte la mettere a serve se ‘si può, that, concedes Atanasio as Padre such when for some): columns such when read by to (no adding amusing doubt of others the appeal unintentionally or intriguing writer,be may original but the to only intelligible is that way a in instead. Others refer very brieflyand obscurelyto readers’ problems and answer writes Viganòscrivi?’ mi for cui example ( di cose delle parlare possa si che ‘È Silvana, magazines: possibile, mai for inappropriate are subjects (undisclosed) some that readers adultery): adultery): society, it would seem was much less forgiving than the Church. As will as female (such it despises most for the transgressions of redemption possibility and reputations public with concerned more far could expect quite a sympathetic hearing in 36 Advice columns created their own discursive spaces, but continued to to continued but spaces, discursive own their created columns Advice On moral questions, all magazines had to take account of the Catholic Catholic the of account take to had magazines all questions, moral On Grazia ND , , 10 ci consideriamo – ci consideriamo e ce ne in – vantiamo assolutamente

June June 1951), sometimes offering to answer in private Famiglia Famiglia cristiana Morris costume · · Advice columns in 1950s Italy FC , , 4 G

, very often offers no no offers often very , October October 1953). Most Noi donne Noi , 31 , , , Grazia

May 1952). In In 1952). May , , which was 37 directed directed For all all For

313 Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge having tied themselves irrevocably (in the absence of divorce) to men they do do they men to divorce) of absence the (in irrevocably themselves tied having activity, to avoid the risk either of failing to finda husband or of indulging in ‘illicit’ sexual some readers to marry as soon as even possible, in very circumstances, imperfect stereotypical view of women a that Following sees magazine. them the of both rest the as in dangerous promoted fables’ and ‘modern weak, the she despite urges some people, even if she had little respect for them. prepared to admit that unions based on financial advantage only could work for love and its place in society. of redefinition a for called they and differently, very love viewed often women and men that ideal, an was this that acknowledged Yet they marriage. modern a and rights woman’s a on insist to was it require to marriage: in love desired For perennial issue, in fact, as Saraceno points out, it has its historical specificity: really under discussion. never was marry to wanted couples of majority vast the that idea the weddings; religious) than (rather civil encouraging to decade the throughout devoted was couples should not be criticized for remaining unmarried, in fact far more effort in Even against. dismissively, with the kind of attitude the younger generation was beginning to importance rail such subjects held for many readers, but they are usually treated quite (especially studied magazines the in commonly suffered by teenagers in the first throes of relationships withtook it seriously within thethe context of marriage. The kind of worries oppositeand doubts sex only appearreally advisers But love. was topics discussed frequently most the of One Love and the search for a spouse interpretation. careful needs also morality Catholic on insistence Clara’s later,Contessa discussed be 314

Noi donne Noi the italianist 27 italianist the There There are few lofty aspirations regarding love in Signora Quickly’s column, famiglia’, pp. 62‑63) ‘La (Saraceno, matrimonio. nel all’innamoramento e all’amore attribuito normale di rapporto coniugale. modello il come più sempre afferma si condivisione della e intimità della pur nel permanere di forti squilibri tra i sessi, nel corso del secolo il modello Whether or not they should be in love first was another matter. Apparently a 38 42 Noi donne Noi It was generally assumed, moreover,assumed, generally was It marry.to aimed readers all that but offers no sympathy at all to others who regret their marriages, marriages, their regret who others to all at sympathy no offers but L’indicatore più vistoso di questa trasformazione è il posto che viene viene che posto il è trasformazione questa di vistoso L’indicatore più ’s advisers and Alba de Céspedes, it was women above all who who all above women was it Céspedes, de Alba and ’sadvisers

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’s advice column, where it was stated more than once that that once than more stated was it where column, advice ’s 2007 40

41 Unlike Noi donne ’s advisers, Alba de Céspedes was Grazia ) and may well reflect the reflect well may and ) 39

Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge question advice columns expose the conservatism of these magazines; in the real effectively a means of selling were hope – often columns in the face advice of reality.the that But in given fact on this surprise, no is this and improve, can lives columns should reflect these aspirations. upper classes, and even even and classes, upper as increasing social mobility, or at least the prospect of it, in which magazines such represent a good women financial investment forworking men that ( drily suggests also Céspedes De too). problems other to solution the thus (and women for dignity and independence of means vital a as of advisers leading the way, they urge readers to ignore prejudice and to see work Alba de Céspedes and the advisers of when faced with an unfaithful husband, and not to feel shame or embarrassment. does encourage women to work rather than suffer financial difficulty, particularly the home for women. not given any prominence in because a female reader is able to work, she need not worry about marriage). It is (apart from one rather anomalous reply in which Signora Quickly recognizes that a fiancé. The question of women and work, on the other hand, ismore ignoredthan desirable by in planning the future, and the lack of it was security sufficient– a torare commodity reject in the early 1950s and the cause of much angst – was anyway,ahead go should readers financial that acknowledged is it generally but Occasionally marrying. before workplace the in himself for example, consider tuberculosis as an impediment to to that marriage them was an reassure outmoded to notion keen (see were magazines the all decade, the of beginning December 1954). Nevertheless, in an effort to educate readers particularly at the ( her loves really he if girl, blind a marry could son her that mother a to of generosity and it is with very great caution, for example, that Viganò suggests act (unnecessary) an as seen is problem some with spouse a Toon take illness. serious a of suspicion some is there where particularly requirement, reasonable raised as an issue in all magazines, and premarital checks are generally seen as a is Health concern. only the being from far was it but predominates, marriage as a ‘virtue’. plea to the contrary, Signora Quickly is more than happy to exalt ‘rassegnazione’ Aleramo’s after years impassioned fifty then, not develop, and if does none love not love or even like. The over their different ways about self about ways different their Epoca A further source of doubt was the question of class. In a society with with society a In class. of question the was doubt of source further A establish to husband future a for wait should they if ask readers Often for criterion a as importance in gained had love that view the Overall, , Settimana Incom G , 16 September 1950). 43 Contessa Clara also emphasizes homes and husbands, yet Famiglia cristiana Famiglia and Famiglia cristiana ‑ riding riding message is that any is marriage better than ‑ Grazia improvement, it might be expected that advice advice that expected be might it improvement, Noi donne proposed idealized images of the rich and 44 Certainly they share an optimism that and and Morris E , where the emphasis is always on go further and, in a clear example Noi donne Noi , 30 January 1955). · · Advice columns in 1950s Italy Noi donne Noi talked a good deal in in deal good a talked advises that that advises Grazia ND

315 , 9 ,

Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge a fiancé not comfortable with his future wife’s political activism (persuade him him (persuade activism wife’s political future his with comfortable not fiancé a politically the deal with a partner of different views (try to educate and convince him/her), with PCI showed little inclination to address in other forums. These included: how to the that added, be should it issues, all activism; political from arising problems of questions appeared regarding the effect on relationships of political clashes, or very much part of the everyday life of a modern, ‘democratic’ woman, and a range donne Noi politics indeed – politics 31 May 1953). As Cold War tensions decreased in the middle of the decade, party was told ‘la dottrina comunista è nè più nè meno che una dottrina senza Dio’ ( Catholic and Communist both be to claimed who reader The rejection. outright left its readers in no doubt as to the view they should adopt towards Communists: letter of the advice column in an overtly political manner in the early 1950s, and arise. not did simply views women. to irrelevant as readers too, to judge from the letters – continued to regard the subject of politics donne con il suonare doppiamente offensivi al cattolico e al non cattolico’ and that from readers and agreeing that ‘consigli come quelli che vennero dati [...] finiscono replaced the following week by a comment from the editors, reacting to that a complaints reader should get her baby baptized to avoid social stigma. Her column was a civil wedding, for example). But Viganò clearly went too far religious in authorities, and 1954 tried to in suggest suggestingthat readers could please everyone (with as the magazine showed an unwillingness to alienate religious readers and offend religion provoked awkward answers that suggested uncomfortable compromises, in Even response. religious compatibility addressed to ( Protestant a marrying against reader morali’, by which she meant religious differences, and she strongly advises a Catholic matter (see for example, be expected, only lives of readers, ‘marrying up’ or ‘down’ was rarely judged as advisable. 316 were now voting and being elected to parliament, parliament, to elected being and voting now were 10 July 1955). a couple should have a similar outlook and compatible ideas (see for example an such accommodation of contemplated Catholic values. longer De no Céspedes was advisers always most later concerned and that ceased column her before long very not was it but comment, further no with after week the returned She

the italianist 27 italianist the For Contessa Clara, a more important obstacle was posed by ‘questioni ‘questioni by posed was obstacle important more a Clara, Contessa For Despite the stark political divisions of the time and the fact that women women that fact the and time the of divisions political stark the Despite certainly did not condone such hypocrisy ( hypocrisy such condone not did certainly , a magazine dedicated to the political education of its readers, it was it its readers, political education of dedicated tothe a magazine , ‑ inspired opposition of parents (go ahead without them), or with with or them), without ahead (go parents of opposition inspired Noi donne

Noi donne Noi ·

2007 46 ND tout court tout Thus the question of a prospective spouse’s political political spouse’s prospective a of question the Thus Famiglia cristiana Famiglia took a stand: class differences do not, or should not, , 9 December 1956). , in the first half of the 1950s, problems involving involving problems 1950s, the of half first the in , Famiglia cristiana – disappeared from ‘Il padre risponde’. For For risponde’. padre ‘Il from disappeared – SI , 20 May 1950). Questions regarding regarding Questions 1950). May 20 , , on the other hand, used the main the used hand, other the on , Noi donne Noi got the predictably hard Grazia ’s editors – and its its and – editors ’s , 3 January 1954). 1954). January 3 , 45 As might ‑ Noi FC line E , , Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge talora irreparabili’ that can be caused by a ‘tipo smalziato e corrotto’ ( corrotto’ e smalziato ‘tipo a by caused be can that irreparabili’ talora disastri, ‘dolorosi the to references the from understand we so (or age young a at raped apparently girl a from letter shocking particularly a by underlined was and if young girls were not protected, then sexual devices, activity was almost own inevitable, their to left were people young if that idea The fiancés. between ( sull’abisso’ porta ‘una – pale was the beyond it completely kissing, for As risky. very as regarded was looking even indeed dance, not should together, they alone left be not should sex opposite the of members 6 January 1952). ( ‘sentimenti’ and ‘istinti’ between very differences the of a explanation contorted attempts Viganò Similarly, sua’. ‘sono completamente’, ‘amo ceduto’, in and clichés. Thus girls were told to protect their ‘giglio’ (a term used particularly unsuitable forpublicdiscourseandhadtoresortawholeseriesofmetaphors letters, were faced with the dilemma that such matters were generally regarded as purposes of both of these columns, yet they, like the other advisers and writers of stem the tide of moral dissolution. Indeed, this would seem to be one of the main barrage of questions and a growing sense of panic on the part of advisers trying to is little else in Signora Quickly’s advice column in frequently, but in very appeared subject This marriage. to prior couples for suitable as regarded transitions taking place in private lives, was the question of what behaviour was A particularly fraught issue at the time, and one that serves to highlight the difficult Sex before marriage politics and the law in order to know their rights. process and that all readers, but especially women, should educate themselves in courting couples, but did remind readers that women were fully part de Céspedes shied away from party politics and any difficulties it could raise for of the political to began extend their politics of equality they fully and consistently to the private that sphere. Alba 1955 after only was it and suggested they solutions the in ambiguities were there marriages, unhappy of discussion the in seen be will as much concerned with the private consequences of public political acts. However, gently). he addresses mothers in general, holding this up as an example of what happens psychologically, that is. Before offering any substantive response than rather to potential marriage the of terms in girl damaged, been has herself, girl the hopeless, not is case the if even that, granted for it takes response The 1953)). November FC ) to avoid being ‘rovinate’, but all the same, many wrote in confessing ‘ho confessing in wrote many same, the all but ‘rovinate’, being avoid to ) Padre Atanasio is extremely rigid about what is suitable prior to engagement; 47 In this way, and radically for their time, Famiglia cristiana seems almost an obsession and at times there Morris Grazia Noi donne · · Advice columns in 1950s Italy FC , giving the impression of , 12 July 1953) – even even – 1953) July 12 , ’s advisers were very FC

ND , 29 29 , 317 , Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge beauty products, clothes, and the glamour of famous women; it is not surprising and manners, is effectively the corollary of the rest of the magazine’s emphasis on be perfected, and could learn from advice columns how to hone their characters self and independence of sense own their on rely to women encourages usually she and ‘consigli’), her ideal femininity. of the magazine which counsel the reader on precisely the process of achieving an September 1958), a recommendation that dovetails very neatly with other sections are causing you problems, another reader is told, so try to be more feminine (28 ( corteggiare’ ‘sapersi to needs girl a apparently equating modernity with sexual availability – unlike thirty years ago, ( Dio’ con fidanzarsi a che aspirare può non [...] monachina ‘una all, After sex. opposite the to appealing more and available more themselves make effectively not do they if boyfriends get never will they that frequently told are readers female when girls) young to sinister note, in the light of the fact that it was actually a man dictating behaviour The advice given to girls is actually rather more ambiguous (and takes visiting prostitutes. But it is not just a question of the familiar double onstandards. an almost on brothels, that prior to marriage men will have had sexual experiences, normal, including on the other hand, and echoing views often heard at the time in the entirely as regarded is It disgust. and scorn of objects are abandoned, been have debate and remorse, no show who those particularly and be, to failed have who Those circumspect. more far be should girls engagement, an of Withoutprotection the possible. as soon as marry to advised are themselves controlling trouble having (see, for example, by marriage; a tendency that becomes more marked towards the end of the decade and for those who are formally engaged regards any behaviour as almost boyfriends. sanctified Yet she is far less categorical about what kind of behaviour is allowed their to ‘yielding’ considering women those to especially warnings, dire offering Quickly is similarly conservative, highlighting the dangers of illicit behaviour and ( not have rules the but changed, make sure they were not ‘ruined’ before their wedding day. February 1954), but the primary responsibility lay with girls and their mothers to them, however.) Sex before marriage was wrong for men publish to not too chosen (for has he example, why say not does (He 1953). November (29 ones it is not invented and he casually mentions that he has received many, its many unambiguous similar reference to a potentially salacious subject, but, Atanasio stresses, when they are insufficiently attentive. The inclusion of this letter is very unusual in 318 certainty about pre about certainty

the italianist 27 italianist the In In Grazia Settimana incom , Donna Letizia is of the same view and asserts that times may have 49

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, 27 March 1960). 2007 ‑ marital sex (in any case a much less prominent theme in in theme prominent less much a case any (in sex marital ‑ worth. Yet here too the idea that women were objects to to objects were women that idea Yet the worth. too here , Contessa Clara seems to share Padre Atanasio’s moral G , 17 February 1951). In these modern times – here here – times modern these In 1951). February 17 , G , 30 March 1958). On the face of it, Signora Signora it, of face the On 1958). March 30 , 48 G Nevertheless, as mentioned above, fiancés , 11 September 1955). Your inhibitions inhibitions Your 1955). September 11 , FC , 14 Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge are reserved for those contemplating sin; the sinners, unless unrepentant, are are unrepentant, unless sinners, the sin; contemplating those for reserved are letters harshest the – sympathetic quite was Atanasio Padre Whilst fiancés. or were far more serious, all the more so if they were abandoned by their boyfriends she was morally if not physically pure ( marrying, and reassuring one reader that she could still have a white wedding as with expediency, suggesting discretion all round if there was still the possibility of ( pride and dignity everyone’s protect to tact but honesty, advises Clara Contessa it. of know not need partner new a and priest, her) usually (but her/his and reader the for kept be to is truth the future: the jeopardize not need past the in happened has what consistent: and unambiguous entirely is Atanasio Padre advice. different quite offer fact in publications conformist apparently three The relationship. sexual had found themselves new partners wondered if they should admit to a previous activity. Yet, of course, that could just be the start of more problems. Readers sexual ‘illicit’ of deal good a who was there advice, prevailing to counter that, is not, moderna’ ( in elsewhere echoed not certainly view a in and occasion, another on daringly more claimed she relations, sexual what their own principles were, then adhere to them ( is expressedconsistentlybyAlbadeCéspedes,whoadvisedreaderstoworkout sensuale’ is still ‘amore’ and not ‘peccato’ ( dinamite’, but she argues forcefully that there are no fixed rules and that ‘amore unease. and reluctance distinct a betray subject this on nervousness and inconsistency her December 1952), she tells one reader who has had sex before marriage. Overall, ( gioventù’ la cruda) parola la (scusa sciupata sei ‘ti puritan: being not often was she claimed she if ideals even Viganò’s from mid-1950s, the transpired in column Communist than society Italian traditional with do to more had However,sins. as instincts natural condemned that borghesi’ that conformism a ‘pregiudizi rejected also They femininity. ‘natural’ more a favoured magazine their that dubiously, rather instead, insisting and paramount were clothes and different, railing against the kind of ‘frivolity’ that suggested a woman’s appearance please men. that female readers express confusion at the extent to which they are required to to say that there was nothing shameful about being an unmarried mother. Not unmarried an being about shameful nothing was there that say to displayed no inconsistency and made it a point of principle, throughout not have the theright to the same decade,expectations from life. On this subject, did mother unmarried an that clear made nevertheless was it – forgiven usually For those desperate readers who found themselves pregnant the consequences or deliberately whether columns, these by given impression the Certainly Noi donne E 50 51 , 26 August 1956).

For Giuliana dal Pozzo in 1957, the subject is still a ‘barattolo di di ‘barattolo a still is subject the 1957, in Pozzo dal Giuliana For ’s journalists would have claimed that their approach was entirely SI , 24 June 1950), whilst Signora Quickly is only concerned concerned only is Quickly Signora whilst 1950), June 24 , Epoca G , 20 May 1950). , were simply part of being a ‘ragazza ‘ragazza a being of part simply were , ND , 1 September 1957). A similar view Morris · · Advice columns in 1950s Italy E , 24 July 1955). Premarital Noi donne ND

, 14 14 , 319

Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge in the second half of the decade, a gradual increase in complaints about sexual sexual about complaints in increase gradual a decade, the of half second the in alcoholic, abusive, and violent, many references to adulterous relationships, and, marriages, of husbands (and very occasionally wives) who with their relationships with their husbands. rangeThere are endless stories of loveless between neglectful, expected. many of had the letters they sent to the than columns analysed here bella’ were from women ‘meno unhappy was life married (43%), women of minority substantial a for that suggests 1951 March from survey DOXA A Unhappiness and infidelity in marriage unless they are practising a ‘castità matrimoniale’ (see later). must be good reason as it was a couple’s duty to procreate ( periodica’ and the Ogino Knaus system, but Padre Atanasio emphasizes that there cristiana the Church allowed and while other magazines considered it taboo, it the is rhythm method in (30 July 1950). There was clearly some confusion about what to her. was talking about it – and lists it as one of the subjects raised most often in letters of the many hypocrisies of the time – that everyone was practising it and no one of contraception would have been against the law. De Céspedes identifies it as one received. advisers abortion about letters many March 1954). Otherwise it is not mentioned and there is no way of knowing how parte provengano,chevolesseroconundelittofarepiùpaurosalacolpa’( Atanasio warns a pregnantPadre decade, the reader: in Earlier ‘Respingacomment. further no decisamente receives it and tutte life, woman’s le voci da qualunque (16 March 1958), abortion but an it had who is woman presented a as to one column Pozzo’s in dal a Giuliana series in of reference is misfortunes a There in a silences. particular obvious the of one is references, oblique few a of exception to the cruelty of society towards ‘figli di N.N.’ ( 16 November 1958; illegitimacy as a own problemits regard (see, not should for itself example,child the that readers, bothering still was that question a to came it when hand, other the on magazines, the across agreement entirely lacking in Noi donne realistic more a there of importance the was But faced. mother unmarried an challenges the of assessment years later in only and difficulties, the minimizes Italy.1950s in advice practical much Viganòsuggest fact, could In advisers that 320 more frequent, but remain low‑key allusions; hardly surprising, as any promotion

the italianist 27 italianist the The illegal alternative, abortion, was practised by many but, with the the with but, many by practised was abortion, alternative, illegal The 53

Noi donne that the subject is treated in more detail, with discussion of ‘continenza ’s uncritical support and sense of solidarity between women – a notion

Grazia · limits itself to expressing doubts, albeit rather obscurely, about

2007 ND , 8 April 1951). However, only de Céspedes refers openly for example – should not be underestimated. There was SI ,

22 April 1950, E 52 , 2 June 1955). References to birth control are are control birth to References FC 54 G

, 30 August 1953), (Signora Quickly), Famiglia 55 FC Very , 7

Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge she has a right to an explanation, but the only advice she offers is to remind him silence can often be a good strategy for an whilst offended wife, in these circumstances that told is prostitutes visits regularly husband whose reader female A differ greatly and there is a similar assumption that these are not individual does advice problems. the end the in if even account, to men holding towards further or solution. usually); social circumstances and relations are never (woman, advanced individual as the of a possible responsibility the cause on always is emphasis the replies, Atanasio’s Padre and Quickly’s Signora both In 1951). June (30 accontentarsi’ bleak: ‘Guardati intorno senza preconcetti: nessuno è felice. E chi lo è, ha saputo contemplated infidelity,the condemnation is absolute. Ultimately, the message is Signora Quickly opines. As for adulterous women, or even those who have simply the with Womensituation. up are better ‘mal che ( maritate separate’ put to has simply she work, not does that if but attractive, more husband. violent a of case the in even true be can example, for (see, problem domestic any for blame the take to expected is wife A 1958). November (23 husbands silly their men always its allminimizes significance: wives must forgive the of ‘esuberanze’ wife’s the sanity.questions even of In sexual dissatisfaction. fact, going further than Padre Atanasio, at times she and children cannot complain of loneliness, boredom, of feeling neglected or indeed matrimoniale’ as an offering to the Virgin Mary (20 June 1954). with their husbands, he does indicate that a wife might propose a period of ‘castità affirming that, whatever they desire, women are required to have sexual relations there are some signs of sympathy towards his female readers: for example whilst is equally wrong for a husband to commit adultery (8 December 1957). Moreover, duties of husbands too. Children are a joint responsibility (4 January 1953), and it cristiana not (17‑25 March 1954). There is no doubt that attitudes to women in glorification of wives and mothers who remain faithful when their husbands are a almost is there Indeed 1957). February (3 first put be must children of needs The 1955). December (11 heaven in be will reward your another,then tells he ( reader one tells he ‘disgusto’, or ‘gusto’ of matter a not is husband her about feels wife misplaced. a way the and Marriage simply were complaints such Atanasio, Padre For dissatisfaction. that they simply want her permission – or a ‘scappatoia’ or ‘alibi’ – for behaviour complains and – evil and good between choice simple a as presents she which – might improve. Contessa Clara is things very that harsh hope towards the readers in tempted ground, by high moral adultery the maintain to and religion his of The answers in Contessa Clara’s ‘consigli’ are more sophisticated, and go go and sophisticated, Clara’s more Contessa are in ‘consigli’ answers The Similarly, Signora Quickly considers that wives who have a home, husband, are highly reductive and patriarchal, but there is an emphasis on the the on emphasis an is there but patriarchal, and reductive highly are 58

56 The language used to describe the adultery of of adultery the describe to used language The FC , 4 August 1957). If you are suffering now, suffering are you If 1957). August 4 , Morris G , 16 November 1958), and this this and 1958), November 16 , 57 · · She can try to make herself herself make to try can She Advice columns in 1950s Italy G , , 2 1958), November Famiglia

321 Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge oppression own ( their in complicit being avoid to try should women all, of Most answer. that advises she unhappy, were who women For most. for option best the remained still marriage that admits dignity, she with alone live to woman a for ( unfaithful were men most that believing despite meantime, the In divorce. for arguing of means as – and, surprisingly in what was essentially conformist magazine, uses the column p. much more demanding as roles have changed (see Morris, ‘From Private to Public’, of doubt in readers’ minds. Church happy, but that is not to say that Irene Brin was beyond the sowing fictitious Contessa Clara are entirelya unambiguous, and would have keptfew the seeds ( directly question the answering evades actually but favour, in not is she that implies she divorce, of possibility the raises that simply have been omitted. It is also noteworthy that when answering a question could they when column, her in appear to continue marriages unhappy about letters all, morality.After religious by convinced longer no those for principles those of redundancy the suggest to taken be also could it yet exasperation, as ( peccare’ a autorizzazione di specie una me, da Vorrebbero, loro. i secondo e principi, miei i secondo – insolubili complains that in at least 40% of letters ‘si Clara ostina, Contessa non senza occasion, one crudeltà manner. On su simplistic problemi less a in interpreted be to ( own her on being to used get simply should woman a work, not does marriage a if relationships; new involve ( condone never can she 322 equality and independence that is also part of her column. By 1955, 1955, By column. her of part also is that independence and equality of rhetoric the with uncomfortably sits advice Such 1951). June (3 figli’ degli e così, specialmente per le mogli e per le madri, nell’interesse e nell’affetto del marito‘sopporta e sii buona [...] Capisco che ti chiedo un sacrificio continuo, ma la vita è children: two has who but drunkard, a is husband whose reader a tells She too. recommending they should stay. Viganò’s traditional attitudes emerge in this area status quo, reassuring women if they had already left their husbands, the support always nearly responses the inspection, closer butOn husbands. violent otherwise 23 April 1950 or 13 May 1951). ( time given transformation, character complete a undergo might husbands to be absurdly optimistic, or disingenuous, as readers were encouraged readers. to The hope advice that offered was inconsistent, or even incorrect, and answers reconciliation tended in a positive manner because it was the only option available to most increased self increased 15). She assesses the practical possibilities for women – which were very few few very were which – women for possibilities practical the assesses She 15).

the italianist 27 italianist the At the beginning of the decade, there is an attempt in As I have shown elsewhere, Alba de Céspedes suggests marriage has become E ‑ , 14 July 1955). reliance and work can help, even if they do not provide the full full the provide not do they if even help, can work and reliance

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2007 E , 13 January 1957), and maintaining that it was possible was it that maintaining and 1957), January 13 , SI , 27 May 1950). Separation is possible, but can never can but possible, is Separation 1950). May 27 , 59 SI 60 , 3 June 1950). Yet perhaps this column needs needs column this Yet 1950). perhaps June 3 , Nevertheless, they do suggest separation from SI , 8 October 1952). This might read just just read might This 1952). October 8 , SI , 26 July 1952). The views of views The 1952). July 26 , Noi donne Noi donne Noi to present ND ,

Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge happy. By contrast, the second letter is from a homosexual, but married, man who family,his of support the with change, sex a have to about is is he that says and answer.single a in addresses Clara ‘Neuter’ himself calls who man a first, the In explicit example consists of two letters which appear in 1956, and which Contessa are hardly frequent, but there are a number that appear over the decade. The most much more nuanced response, appears in di frutta’ ( nella normalità femminile. Una pesca bacata, lo sai, può far marcire l’intero cesto colpa sua – ha in sé una tara e, comunque, costituisce una deplorevole eccezione because ‘la tua amica [...] avrà mille e una buonissima qualità ma – forse non per what seems to be a similar situation, though reversed, is to break scempiaggine’off the ( friendship, he tells her, it is not true friendship, ‘è altra cosa: morbosità, profanazione, perfino addresses a schoolgirl who has a crush on a friend. ‘Non sei sulla buona strada’, semplicemente bestia’ ( too far and that the responsibility is all his if, one day, ‘anziché uomo si ritroverà the relationship and go to confession, but also to realize that he has already gone Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter I, verses 18‑32. He instructs him to break off affetto non è secondo natura’, and, to make his point clearer, tells him to read St in indecipherable, but otherwise it appears very rarely. There are a have couplebeen the of subject examplesof various questions and answers that are so obscure as to which be prided itself on discussing issues regarded as ‘scabrosi’ by others. It context, it is may hardly surprising that it wellwas regarded as taboo, even for an almost entire avoidance of the idea that readers might be room homosexual.for those who Given do not theconform to society’s expectations. As a result, there is but she encouraged women to have much higher expectations of marriage. course, the law had not yet changed and sometimes she could only offer sympathy, 1956 and 3 March 1957), and encouraged women to make their own choices. Of submission preached by others as being undignified for women ( Giuliana dal Pozzo became when editor.message familiar a She became overtly beneficial challenged morally the was kind divorce of that tolerance idea The and was necessary for the ‘salvezza morale della famiglia’ ( use its advice column as a means of openly campaigning for it, maintaining that it was enthusiastically promoting a debate on divorce, Neuter’, but he still might hope to find ‘un’esistenza pacificata e armoniosa’. The still regards Neuter as a sad case, because ‘non sarà madre, povero Neuter, povera who recognizes the right to happiness of the first and the despair of theis second.suicidal. She Both are treated with sympathy and understanding by Contessa Clara, Famiglia cristiana The only examples of a relatively open treatment of homosexuality,of treatment open relatively a of examples only The a and In setting out desirable qualities and norms of behaviour, there is very little G , 23 August 1952). FC , 1 September 1957). The response offered by Signora Quickly to : Padre Atanasio responds to a certain Pino, telling him: ‘il suo FC , 8 March 1953). The other, of a rather different order, Settimana Incom Morris · · 61 Advice columns in 1950s Italy and the magazine began to ND . Letters on this subject , 11 September 1955). ND , 18 November Noi donne

323

Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge her familiar mix of realism and faith in progress, is very keen to engage in a in engage to keen very is progress, in faith and realism of mix familiar her example, for (see jeunesse’ de ‘rage a through go people young many that understand and space sympathetic to young readers. Clara advises parents to give their teenagers more coraggioso della gioventù moderna’ (29 March 1959). at the hands of adults and of acts of generosity respectively: ‘il volto vero, pulito, dal Pozzo quotes two letters which represent, she says, in their stories of suffering ‘conformist’ publications who had taken to despairing about the youth later, years challenging Yetof of overtly preach. couple a to desire no the has she that time, che cosa vive’ (3 March 1957) that Giuliana dal Pozzo mentions, despite claiming are ‘sbandierate’ who (2 October 1955), or the women ‘gioventù senza ideali che non sa young bene per about worries in surfaces conservatism Their people. about the effect of the ‘Americanization’ of society and of consumerism on young can influence him (3 February 1957). richiamare’, Padre Atanasio continues, adding lamely that she should e see esortare di cessi ‘Non if abitati’. più centri dei a e città delle specialmente priest oggi, di is told: ‘la storia di suo figlio è press’a poco la storia di gran parte della gioventù She job. a down hold to unable is and church, to go to refuses himself, enjoy to men to unattractive most anyway In 1960). February (14 and youth their of waste a girls, some of (9 February 1958). By 1960, she is talking scathingly of the ‘Brigittebardotismo’ spoilt is and much too given been has generation Quickly, new the Signora For increasing incidence of delinquency and fear of a spreading epidemic become of more immorality.common in all the magazines towards the end of the decade offspring teenage difficult with their about mothers) the (mostly parents from Questions Different generations: interfering parents and disaffected youth particular column. was homosexual goes a long way to explaining the presence of these letters in this Brin’sIrene that fact The comments. Corso, conventional del Gaspero husband, can be happy – appears a good deal more significant than Contessa Clara’s more – and treated sympathetically with the acknowledgement that some homosexuals tempting not to take is the it column before, at As face fact. value. that That of the aware issue too has all been is raised column at the all of reader the and not, ( vivere’ indulgenza qualsiasi vietandosi e tacendo e soffrendo Saprà [...] rara e difficile claims that she does not fear for him: ‘È talmente forte che saprà scegliere la second strada is far more serious, particularly as he does not have family to help. Yet, she 324

the italianist 27 italianist the Contessa Clara and Contessa Alba de on Céspedes, the other hand, are consistently SI , 3 November 1956). Of course, she does not know if he is strong or or strong is he if know not does she course, Of 1956). November 3 ,

· SI

2007 , 5 July 1952 and 20 October 1956). De Céspedes, with with Céspedes, De 1956). October 20 and 1952 July 5 , Famiglia cristiana Famiglia 62

Noi donne , a mother worries her son just wants wants just son her worries mother a , ’s advisers often voice concerns

Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge collection of unpublished letters to receiving similar letters but continued to choose to ignore them. Gabriella Parca’s been had advisers other Presumably significant. is of open the fact into out it very bringing the but abuse, of effects the regarding offer to advice no has She abused by a relative: ( molte’ e ricevo, ne invece ‘ma responds, Pozzo dal accadessero,’ non simili fatti mother. ‘Vorrei , proprio vorrei non ricevere lettere her tell come to la frightened tua, too perché was she vorrei as che years, two of period a over continued and teenager young a was she when occurred that neighbour a by reader a of abuse the point of view of the abused. In 1958 she includes a letter which describes the taboo subjects into the open. Unlike Padre Atanasio, she is most concerned with bringing cautiously of project her of part as silence the break to chooses Pozzo ( decade the exist ( the subject of abuse is treated dismissively; it is raised only to deny such problems them to the fact that he received many such letters. In Signora Quickly’s column girl, as the ultimate threat to mothers who do not pay attention, casually alerting young a of rape the euphemistically, if mention, to prepared is Atanasio Padre people. But it is not entirely absent. As has been noted, on one occasion in 1953 contrast, a subject that is mentioned far more rarely, is the sexual abuse of young By 1950s. in space more for desire growing a and family the of atomization the of but – change, it – recognition was of or generative also symptomatic possibly living with their parents as it was always a cause of arguments. In part this was a avoid to can they all do should couples young that was frequently, quite arose 21 September 1958). ( more people young trust to parents advises also she yet discipline, strict of favour in is Letizia Donna bruciata’. ‘gioventù a of existence the about doubts dialogue with the young, encourages letters from them and expresses considerable also suggests a similar conclusion. ND , , 2 March 58). The following year another letter appears, this time from a girl G ( amiche reputavano che persone da compiuta forza di atto brutale un con potersi difendere. La loro fiducia nel mondo, negli uomini è spesso crollata dell’adolescenza, quando erano troppoquelle e giovani fanciullezza per della capire, soglie troppole fra deboli mi avvenuto per dramma settimana un ogni raccontano che donne giovani di lettere le decine e decine Sono that one and magazines, the between agreement of areas the of Another ND , , 24 July 1955). In , 29 March 1959) ND , 17 June 1951), but it does not appear again until Giuliana dal dal Giuliana until again appear not does it but 1951), June 17 , Noi Noi donne 63 fotoromanzi

, , there is a brief mention at the beginning of Morris , Le italiane si confessano · · Advice columns in 1950s Italy (1959),

325 G ,

Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge inherent to the mass magazine in which it appeared. actual advice, but in its relationship with the promotion lay,of column the her in of not modernity anywhere, The if first. appearances and lifestyles and aspirations and subordination of women and the hypocrisy of a society that put reputations modernity. In fact, ‘she’ was most concerned with perpetuating the objectification to the same Catholic moral framework, whilst also trying to lay claim to a certain lip paid Quickly Signora women. family for role limited very the a assumed which of model traditional the preserve and behaviour ‘modern’ curb to attempted he time, the at readers many very to old‑fashioned seemed have must Church’s the but reflected views that advice In God). (or priest a and individual noticeable that the only relationship required to be fully honest is that between the women for transgressive behaviour, and did not encourage duplicity, but it is very and men both of admonishment his in equitable more was He straightforward. in Atanasio Padre of approach the ways, many In tradition. and modernity between clash the their with terms to find coming of to ways own need the recognize – time the at media of modern most this in – columns discussed here was written purely to entertain. the of none yet too, popularity their of aware clearly were magazines of editors taboo subjects, or indeed in the foolishness and misfortune of other readers. The in knowingly ironic answers, in the rare opportunities to read about scandalous or advice columns was to entertain and no doubt they found considerable of function the readers, some amusementfor course, Of confession. of idea the to used very reader, may also have made their subject matter more acceptable to a readership awkward subjects. The aura of privacy, of an adviser speaking one‑to with a only by women, seem to have allowed their writers greater freedom in broaching read be to assumed or unimportant, as dismissed been generally have they that decade. The intimacy of advice columns, albeit a fictional construct, and the fact following the in familiar so were that ‘inchieste’ the and articles of subject the and unmarried mothers, were all aired in advice columns well before family, they wider the became with relationships abuse, sexual violence, domestic relations, sexual including others also but divorce, and marriages unhappy dysfunctional, regarding particularly difficulties, of range whole a and forum public very a in problems ‘private’ with regularly dealing were columns advice yet discussion, public for unfit as regarded still were other. subjects each many which to in society related a was It generations the and sexes the that way the in changes promoting or suppressing either by lives, private their in Italians of behaviour the mould to attempts genuine constituted here analysed columns advice The Conclusion 326

the italianist 27 italianist the All the columns show an awareness that expectations were shifting and and shifting were expectations that awareness an show columns the All

·

2007 Famiglia cristiana Famiglia is the most the is ‑ service service Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge apparent conformity of the period suggests. the than more much varied that opinion of sources alternative available widely they undoubtedly added to growing debates on marriage and the family, providing was followed, or whether readers shared in the optimism they all expressed, but sympathy and some prospect of change. It is offered impossible to were tell how they far the and advice seriously taken were problems the when so more much so and own, their to similar problems recognized who readers those on effect their frustration and pain was given a public voice must have had a considerable columns this must have been a cause of great frustration and pain. Yet the to fact be that given the same answers each time. For many letter advisers indulge in a struggle, with and readers the as same intention, questions their raisedhardly was again it if and even again, columns, Atanasio’s only Padre Quickly’sSignora of said be also could same the and fact, In it. for desire the of possibility of dramatic change, her column nevertheless gives more than a glimpse the rejects Clara law.Contessa the Whilst in and attitudes in changes and Italy of ‘modernization’ the for called also but was, it as society within situation the advisers, on the other hand would attempt to give practical advice for coping with solution amounted to keeping up appearances. Alba de Céspedes and the that meant morality, that existing if the even to themselves adapting of way status quo was to be maintained and readers – very often women – had to find a The former always identified between those of the problems of the readers. In this sense, her column could be said to lie midway considering as well as answers her of validity the consider to reader the inviting greater emphasis on the education and responsibility of the individual, inevitably column bears only a superficial similarity with those in and women. Whilst Contessa Clara was firmly conservative in her responses, her divorce, better education for the whole family and genuine equality between men in print, but she too chose to use her column in a bold fashion, calling openly for said be could what on restrictions were there that aware also was Céspedes de Alba climate. oppressive relatively a in operating still were they if even decade, the of middle the from strategy clearer much a formed but Party), Communist the throughout seen be could that phenomenon (a prejudices old off shake to struggled they as 1950s, early in successful partially only were advisers its seen, By contrast, Grazia Noi donne and Famiglia cristiana sought to educate and empower women. As has been private solutions to problems within the family. The Morris and those of · · Advice columns in 1950s Italy Grazia ‑writers and readers of the Epoca , as she too puts much and Noi donne Noi donne

327 ’s . Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge Italy 1945‑1960 1950s Italy, seeP. p. to S. pp. edited byP. tended toconcentrate onparticularareas, other studiesofItalianmagazinesfromthis periodhave magazines: 7 of carefulnegotiation. prevailing conservative attitudesofthetime, was amatter to provideanalternativetheCatholicChurch, andthe of compendiumlaymorals, arguingthatanyattempt but alsohighlightsdeCéspedes’aimofprovidingakind discusses theideaofagonycolumnasacommodity, family andmarriageduringatimeoftransition. The article column providesintriguinginsightsintothestateof Gender andthePrivateSphere Agony Columnin1950sItaly’, inFilippucci and Willson, 6 Angeli, 1993). of ModernItaly 1945 Present’, in 5 problems withtheItalianyouth(27May1950). Settimana Incom 4 2006), andsubsequentchapters. 3 costruzione delprivato’, in Society andPolitics1943-88 account. SeeP. chores sincetheydonottake paidhomeworkinginto number ofwomencarryingoutworkalongsidedomestic 2 and LegalReform 1 Grant whichfundedanumberofresearchtripstoItaly. research andtheBritish Academy foraSmallResearch Council forawarding meleaveinordertocompletethis * Iwouldlike tothankthe Arts andHumanitiesResearch Notes 328 The followingabbreviationswillbeusedtoreferthese P. C. Itshouldbenoted, however, thatevenasearly1950, For furtherinformationonthehistoryofwomenin These figurescanbesomewhatmisleadingastothe SeeL. 236, andC. Morris, ‘From Private toPublic: Alba de Céspedes’ 33‑78. Saraceno, ‘The Italian Family fromthe1960sto Piccone Stella,

, editedbyP. Caldwell, the italianist 27 italianist the

Gender andthePrivateSphereinItalysince E Ariès andG. , Saraceno, ‘La famiglia: iparadossi della FC Ginsborg, ,

, editedbyP. 9, i(2004), 47‑57(p. was askingwhatcouldbedoneabout , (London, Macmillan, 1991). Morris, ‘Introduction’ in Italian FamilyMatters:Women,Politics Filippucci andP. G , La primagenerazione ND Duby (Rome‑Bari, Laterza, 1988), , and A HistoryofContemporaryItaly: La vitaprivata:ilNovecento

· (London, Penguin, 1990), Morris (New York, Palgrave,

SI 2007 , pp. . Itshouldbenotedthat

Willson, 11‑20. DeCéspedes’ 48). Sheisreferring (Milan, Franco Women in Special Issue , 2004), pp. (October 1956), 9‑10. Itisinterestingthatwhilstthis 11 women. of theirreaders(andquitepossiblythemajority)were despite thefactthatitisclearasubstantialnumber readers, itoverlooksmagazinesaimedatthewholefamily, article isatpainstoshowthatwomenareveryavid grande dibattitosullastampafemminile’, 10 Grazia to havebeenanychangeintheintendedreadershipof analyses datefromthe1970s, buttheredoesnotseem 9 e presenzediunastoriagenere negli annidelfascismo’, in 8 from theadvicecolumn. regular columnsandthusignoreorquotequiteselectively concentrate onspecificarticlesor ‘inchieste’ rather than but hisstudyonlygoesupto1956. These studiesalso use theadvicecolumnfrom Italia Naturale comesei:Indaginesullastampafemminilein ’50’, ‘Buona ebella: iperiodicifemminilicattolicineglianni del PCI(1947‑1956) comunista: pubblicoeprivatonellarappresentazione only atwomen. Seeforexample, S. suchasCold War politics, religion, ormagazinesaimed Noi donne 13 (Florence, Giunti, 1995). tra HollywoodeMosca:lasfidadellacultura dimassa own beauty, filmstarsandsoonevenintroducedits 12 Morris, Exposed: GabriellaParca’s columns of Gabriella Parca’s collection ofletterssenttoadvice (Bologna, IlMulino, 2003)). For aconsideration of the verypopular Buonanno’s figuresforreadershipofthemagazinesshe S. This studydoesnotinclude thereforemagazinessuchas G. Indeed, thisisanimportantdistinctionbetween Thus themagazineincludes articlesonfashion, Salvatici, ‘Il rotocalcofemminile: unapresenzanuova Gaetani, ‘Le donneleggonopiùdegliuomini: un (Rimini‑Florence, Guaraldi, 1975). Bellassaidoes fotoromanzo Memoria . WomeninItaly1945‑1960 110‑26 (p. andnearlyallothermagazinesofthetime. fotoromanzi , 4(1982), 140‑44)andM. fotoromanzi . SeeS. (Rome, Carocci, 2000), S. 124). , seeP. Gundle, Le italianesiconfessano Donne egiornalismo:Percorsi Noi donne (see A. Morris, ‘The Harem I comunistiitaliani (Milan, Franco Angeli, , pp. Bellassai, Bravo, quiteextensively, 109‑30. Buonanno, Noi donne Fotoromanzi La morale Portaccio, ’, in , 7

Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge reference todivorce(M. than amillioncopiesbyMay1961’(Ginsborg, p. in general, inonecaseonly until 1956(S. made ofthiscolumninthecontextcommunistculture who heldtheroleforjustoneyear. Somestudyhasbeen another, lesswell‑knownwriter, SilviaMagiBonfanti, discovered whoshewas). Viganò was succeededby including amongstmembersofUDI, I havenotyet (despite strenuouseffortstodiscoverhertrueidentity, 20 any detail. in Signora Quickly’s columnandwillnotbeexaminedin column doesnotdiffersubstantiallyfromtheadvicegiven theme isnotirrelevant toadiscussionoffamilies, the somewhat repetitivelywithteenageworries. Whilst this was reallyresponsibleforit. For themostpart, itdeals have spenttimeonsuchacolumn, butitisnotclearwho 19 femminile’ (Buonanno, p. maniera massicciaadeterminareilsuccessodellastampa that ‘le rubrichedicorrispondenzahannocontribuitoin page was oftentheonlyoneactuallyreadandconsiders Buonanno assertsthatinwomen’s magazinestheproblem women’s magazine 18 1974)). italiana deldopoguerra,1943-1972 families, millionaires, andfilmstars(P. di “favole moderne”’withtheirreferencestoroyal 17 Public’, p. offending thegovernment, seeMorris, ‘From Private to 16 of thesamename. produced inordertoexploitthepopularityofnewsreel 15 cristiana 14 other examples. was alsoeditedbywomen, butitisverydifficulttofind Portaccio (p. 1860‑1974 in Italy:MarriageandtheMakingofModern Italians, La moralecomunista Itisnoteworthythatallthecolumns, eventhoseinthe Murialdistatesthat ‘I rotocalchisoddisfannoildesiderio For Alba deCéspedes’commentsontheneedtoavoid ‘Throughout the1950sweeklymagazine, Priorto Viganò, Itseemsinconceivable thatMike Bongiornowould Settimana Incom , hadanenormouscirculation, reachingmore 16. (New York, Palgrave, 2006)). 140) notesthattheCatholicmagazine Noi donne was differenttotheextentthatitwas Grazia ) andintheotherwithparticular Seymour, 77). , containsomelettersfrommen. ’s adviserwas ‘Michela’ Debating Divorce (Rome‑Bari, Laterza, Murialdi, Bellassai, La stampa Famiglia 173). Così

‘agony aunts’: A. Public’, note3, p. have beenstudied, seeP. in language, seeN. pp. practical enquiriesand, notsurprisingly, hadthemost (especially legal)nature. questions ofaphilosophical, literary, orpractical column was strikingforitsrange ofsubjects, including exclusively withsuchsubjects, whilst Alba deCéspedes’ 22 it willnotbeanalysedhere. related fieldsoffashionanddesign, iscertainlyofinterest, 1950s, withitsinsightsintoclassmobilityandthe convivere’. Whilst thequestionofsocialetiquettein and emotionalproblems, changingitstitleto ‘Vivere e evolved andincreasinglyaddressedreaders’domestic 21 pedigree wouldhardlyhavebeenanadvantage. Viganò’s In thecaseof 27 her novelof1948. de Céspedes’advicecolumn magazine 26 anthologies oftheircolumns. letters isoftenstressedbyadvisersinlaterdiscussionsor to answer( mad toinventletterswhenshehassomanyrealones 25 Novecento matrimoniale: ilterzo(in)comodoinEuropafraOttoe couple (1946‑1969)’inB. Grégoire, lesnouvellesintermédiairesmédiatiquesdu 24 23 early 1950s. also madeadecidedlypoliticaluseofitscolumninthe It shouldbenoted, however, that di educazionepoliticaemorale’ (6January 1950). guida sicura eprecisaperledonneitaliane, unostrumento mould thenewfemalecitizensofItaly, providing ‘una overtly politicalcolumn, aimingtoeducatewomenand (London, Longman, 2001), pp. Signora Quickly’s ‘Ditelo pureame’dealtalmost Inlateryears, DonnaLetizia’s ‘Saper vivere’column For Mondadori, whopublishedbothhernovelsandthe GiulianadalPozzo, forexample, saysshewouldbe For adiscussionoftheextenttowhichadvicecolumns For adiscussionof ‘common sense’andstruggle L’Agnese vaamorire 357‑94. Morris Epoca (Rome, EdizionidiStoriaeLetteratura, 2004), ND · · Noi donne , 22March1959). The authenticityof Advice columns in 1950s Italy , therewereclearadvantages tonaming M. 18. SeealsoarecentarticleonFrench Fairclough, Sohn, ‘Marcelle SégaletMenie (Milan, Mondadori, 1949). ofcourse, anupper Noi donne Morris, ‘From Private to P. Wanrooij, Dalla partedilei 64‑90. Language andPower Famiglia cristiana alsorespondedto La mediazione ‑class , thetitleof

329 Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge was bornonthe Trans‑Siberian Railway, andthatlaterin donne when itsreadersweresufferingparticular hardship, solutions toproblems. Intheearly yearsofthedecade, to previouslettersbutalsoofferingpractical helpand with addresses, instancesofreadersnotonlyresponding 34 as ‘she’ asthediscussioncentreson the fictionalpersona. Throughout thearticleSignora Quicklywillbereferredto also explains ‘her’ fondnessfortheatrical references. “piccole poste”’, an articlebyClaudioCarabba, ‘Il costumeitalianonelle 33 liked to). that shewas neverabletohavechildren(butwould married butherbelovedhusbanddiedsometimeago, and 32 continued until1978. married intoahigherclass. ColetteRosselli’s column suggested thatshewas ofquitelowlyoriginsbuthad should notbethreateningtoreadersmeantthatitwas short timeatthestartofcolumn, theideathatshe 31 like themmuch). life sheherselfwas musetoProustandRilke (butdidnot 30 Maria Vittoria Rossi. fact IreneBrinwas alsoapseudonym. Herrealnamewas 29 – wouldbefruitfulbutisbeyondthescopeofthisstudy. these columns–whetherornotapseudonymwas used implied writersoffictionandthepersonaeadoptedfor one. A fullexploration ofsimilaritiesbetweentherealor through suchjournalismwas necessarilyaself‑conscious writers offiction, theprocessofprojectingaself‑image appear. Itmustalsobeassumedthat, particularlyfor the toneofresponsesandchoicesubjectsthat impression iscreatedbythesumofjudgements, advice, brief autobiographical information, butamuchstronger of ChicagoPress, 1983). Bothwritersincludesome 28 might beexpected. middle‑class backgroundisnotgivenanyprominence, as 330 There aremorelettersapparently signedbyrealpeople, The trueidentityofSignora Quicklyismentionedin Otheroft‑repeated ‘facts’ includetheideathatshewas Infactthispersonawas onethatevolved. For quitea Clara alsoclaimsforexamplethatoneofherdaughters For example, see W. C.

alsohadwhatitcalledan ‘angolo dellasolidarietà’ Booth, the italianist 27 italianist the The RhetoricofFiction La Nazione Settiman Incom

· , 3February 1968. This fact

2007 , 16 August 1952. In (Chicago, University Noi not goingtoanswerquestionsabout ‘primi amori’any (14 July1957)andthenherannouncementthatshewas Giuliana dalPozzo’s exasperation at ‘amori contrastati’ answer any more letters on such subjects. See for example, point in1957, GiulianadalPozzo sayssheisnotgoingto impatience expressedwithteenageloves. Infactatone very condescending. In Most oftheanswersaddressedtoyoungreadersare this column, agirlwas usuallyoldenoughtoknowbetter. few yearsofgrace, becausebyherlateteensaccordingto range ‘she’ hadinmind. Infact, thereonlyseemedtobea relevant; fourteenandunderseemstohavebeenthe that beforeacertainagemattersoflovewerenoteven it was impossibletobeunhappyifyouareyoungand 38 ‘From Private toPublic’, pp. to thechangingrelationshipsbetweensexes(Morris, of idealsandmoresmoresuitedtothemodernage provide akindofcompendiumlaymorals, anewset particularly strikingfortheway thatdeCéspedesaimsto 37 specialists orprofessionalsofsomesort. advice columnsandadviserswerefarmorelikely tobe decade, magazinestendedtohaveanumberofdifferent awkwardly withtherestofherpersona. Bythefollowing fondness forFreud’s ideas, aviewwhichsitssomewhat of tranquillizers, whileContessaClara displaysacertain 36 35 financial assistancetothosemostinneed. to whichreadersmightbereferredandoffered vocation tobecome priests ornuns, oftenintheface in resolution. The onlynotable exceptionistobefound treated aspartofaprocessthathadonly oneformof 39 group (seeMorris, ‘The Harem Exposed’). collection Hotel like questions formthebulkofletterspublishedinmagazines many), butgenerally respondinapositivemanner. Such this agegroup(andquitepossiblydidnotreceiveso Clara, ontheotherhand, includefarfewerlettersfrom more (4 August 1957). Alba deCéspedesandContessa A frequentresponsefromSignora Quicklywas that As Ihavearguedelsewhere, Signora Quicklyseemsimpressedbythepossibilities SeeBellassai, Infact, eventeenageworriesaboutrelationshipsare Famiglia cristiana Confidenze . A goodnumberofthe letters inGabriellaParca’s Le italianesiconfessano , and La moralecomunista whenreaderswriteexpressinga fotoromanzi Noi donne 16‑18). Epoca like too, thereisacertain alsocomefromthis . ’s advicecolumnis Bolero and Grand Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge favour ofthekindself‑educationandlearningadvised was always amistake tomarrysomeonefromadifferent 45 1958). deleterious effectoftoomuchreading( by Alba deCéspedesin 44 lavoratrici sonotrattate male’(10June1960, pp. women atworkinanarticle1960: L. does pickupontheissueofpoortreatment 1953). However, itshouldbenotedthat that theyshouldnottake jobsfrommen( have evenshown ‘più attitudine’thanmen, butasserts 43 man shedoesnotlove. spouse thatsheshouldrefusetheofferofmarriagefroma it isonlyifshefeelsrealrepulsionforherprospective 42 May 1957and25January 1959respectively.) they didnotlovetheirprospectivespousecompletely(19 1959, tellsreadersthatitwas theirdutynottomarryif dal Pozzo advisesagainstmarryingatallcostsand, in slaves (12November1950). Laterinthedecade, Giuliana required ifwomenweretobemorethanservants and the truemeaningof ‘dignità, rispettoeancheamore’, unless theywereinlove, evenifsocietyhadyettolearn 41 assumption remainedthesame. independence andself‑relianceinwomen, theunderlying Pozzo explicitlyencouraged amuchgreatersenseof the time, butevenadecadelater, whenGiulianadal have beenthinlyveiledconformismwiththenormsof comes from ‘situazioni precise’–thatis, marriage–may 40 of thefamily. which readersareencouraged togoagainstthewishes September 1957), andthisisoneofthefewinstancesin states, itisadifferentway ofbeingamother(29 as joininganotherfamily; forawoman, Padre Atanasio of oppositionfromfamilies. Evenso, itisstilldescribed moulded characters, makingherdubiousabout cross‑class sense ofclassdifferencesandtheextent towhichthey (10 February 1957). Alba deCéspedeshadastrong and 2March1958), aviewechoedin social background(seeforexample Michela’s advice(23March1950), thathappiness Signora QuicklyandDonnaLetiziamadeitclearthat ItshouldbenotedthatPadre Atanasio was notin Padre Atanasio acceptsthatwomenworkwell, and For example, awomanistold that, becauseofherage, Noi donne consistentlyadviseditsreadersnottomarry Epoca , andwas convincedofthe G , 26January 1958 Famiglia cristiana Barbo, ‘Le donne FC Famiglia cristiana FC , 24 August , 14June 14‑15).

middle‑aged, unmarried, andunattractive womanwho pp. 48 arose inCommunisthouseholds. 47 message. socialist orcommunisthusbands, hadpromotedasimilar wives didnotfeelobligedtovoteinthesameway astheir decade, theCatholicChurch, keen tomake surethat from theirhusbands( in whichsheaffirmedtherightofwivestovotedifferently 46 November 1956). that socialclassesweremixingagooddealmore( relationships evenifshedidacknowledgein1956 dieci annidisondaggiDOXA diffuse’: P. gravidanza giàiniziata’wereeither ‘molto’ or ‘abbastanza thought that ‘pratiche tendentiadarrestareuna 52 partner, butheradviceonthetopicremainsinconsistent. complaining thathisgirlfriendhashadsexwithaprevious ‘stolido pregiudizioborghese’( marriage. Somewhatlater, shechallengesamanforhis allowing greaterlatitude, provideditwas withaviewto ‘lecito’ betweenfiancés( to addressdirectlythedelicateissueofwhatwas ambiguous –inananswerthatverynervouslyattempted 51 1957). scherzo, dapartemia, mauna certezza’( Diventi bella, elesaràfacilediventarebuona. Nonèuno diventare diverse, edintemporelativamente breve[…] collo acolonna’, because, ‘oggigiorno sipuòrealmente inanzitutto, unnasoperfetto, unafrontesenzarughe, un is thatfirstofallsheshouldhaveplasticsurgery: ‘Abbia, not knowwhattodowithit. ContessaClara’s response has unexpectedlyinheritedalargesumofmoneybutdoes 50 this respect( really beawoman(becauseofherage)isenlighteningin 49 can bepositivelyharmful(5October1958). Indeed, shemaintainsthattoholdbackfromkissing SeeBellassaiforfurtherdiscussionoftheconflictsthat A rare exceptionwas abriefanswerfromDonna Letizia, InaDOXAsurveyfrom1952, 48%of respondents For example, shewas morerestrained –andmore Inastrikingexample, ‘Maria’ declaresherselftobea Signora Quickly’s commentthatsoonshewillnolonger 377‑96. Morris Luzzatto Fegiz, G · · , 31May1952). Advice columns in 1950s Italy G , 11May1958). Earlierinthe ND Il voltosconosciutodell’Italia: , 17May1953), apparently (Milan, Giuffrè, 1956), ND , 20March1955)in SI , 19January

E , 4 331 Published by Maney Publishing (c) The Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading & Department of Italian, University of Cambridge 1945‑69 10.1179/026143407X234194 © Department of Italian Studies, University of Reading and Department of Italian, University of Cambridge Lauguages and Culture, University of Glasgow, Glasgow GI2 8QQ, UK Please address correspondence to: Penelope Morris, Italian Section, School of Modern the Sacra Ruotabutitwas acknowledgedthattheycost 60 V. on thismatter. For furtherinformationonIreneBrin, see 59 social problemsinapurelyindividualway. commonsensical framework andprocedure’fortreating ‘ideological roleofimplicitassumptions’canprovide ‘a 58 1958. For afurtherexamplesee blamed entirelyforherhusband’s violence, see 57 ( husband abhorrentisdescribedasan ‘aberrazione’ 56 Fegiz, p. degli anniappaionoinunalucemenorosea’(Luzzatto davvero, permoltespose, unadelusione; ecolpassare 55 Church (LuzzattoFegiz, p. did notknowoftheOginoKnausmethodallowedby 54 Arnoldo Mondadori, Fondazione Mondadori, Milan. 53 332 Grazia Itwas mentionedthatseparation orannulmentvia Iamgrateful to Vittoria Caratozzolo forherinsights Fairclough (p. For aparticularlychillingexample, inwhichawifeis The attitudeofawomanwhofindssexwithher ‘Sembra dunquecheiprimigiornidimatrimoniosiano A DOXAsurveyin1953suggested53%ofrespondents Letterto Arnoldo Mondadori, 31July1953, Fondo Caratozzolo,

, 13December1952). 357). the italianist 27 italianist the (Venice, Marsilio, 2006). Irene Brin:alleoriginidellookitaliano, 70) notestheway thatthe 384).

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2007 G , 23September1950. G , 9March pp. Italy 1945-1960 63 bruciata cominciaascottare’, dell’esistenza edelmondo’, R. genitori maestriesacerdotiadunavisionesoprannaturale senso diresponsabilitàcollettiva sullosforzoeducativodei ritorno adunaconcezionecristianadellafamiglia, adun delinquenza minorileilrimediopiùsicuroconsistenel Francisco’s, that ‘per arrestareladiffusionedella debates, whichtendtoconclude, like Reginaldo bruciata’ becomesthesubjectoflongerarticlesand 62 divorzio’, 61 Divorce inItaly further informationondivorce, seeSeymour, as peoplewouldgossip( relationships withothermen, butwouldneedcourage to separate fromherhusband; shewas freetohave wedding (17December1950), whilstanotherisadvised a divorcebecausesheandherhusbandonlyhadcivil is told–quiteincorrectlythatshewillbeabletoobtain more moneythanmostreaderscouldafford. Onereader SeeMorris, ‘The HaremExposed’, inMorris, Subsequently, inthismagazinetoo, Italy’s ‘gioventù See, forexample, ConcettoMarchesi, ‘Variazione sul 18‑19. Noi donne . , pp. , 3July1955, pp. 117‑18. Noi donne FC Francisco, ‘La gioventù , 20September1959, , 7 August 1950). For 8‑9. Debating Women in