“La bella speme” e “l’inquieta speme”. Il ‘linguaggio della speranza’ nelle traduzioni simonidee di Giacomo Leopardi

Abstract

Among Leopardi’s poetic translations, the Greek poet Simonides holds a prominent place, partly due to the themes that resonate with Leopardi’s poetics and philosophy. Notably, the theme of hope recurs in both of the translated texts at the end of Canti: Dal greco di Simonide and Dello stesso (Sem. fr. 1 W2 = 8 P-T and Sim. ff. 19-20 W2 ). This theme appears in two forms: “la bella speme” (‘fair hope’) and “l’inquieta speme” (‘restless hope’). Beyond these terms, the translations reveal nuances that diverge from or reinterpret the Greek originals. The thematic link between the texts invites a closer look at how Simonides’ concept of hope (ἐλπίς) is received and reimagined by Leopardi through translation, reflecting ideas found elsewhere in his work. This contribution offers a commentary on both translations, focusing on lexical choices and comparing Leopardi’s poetic hope with that in the Zibaldone.