ABSTRACT
The year 1844, in particular, is very important, as it marks the beginning of a new wave of translations and criticism. In particular, two incomplete translations of Shelley's Alastor were published during this year. Saverio Baldacchini and Girolamo Blenio's versions, published respectively in the Neapolitan periodical Museo and in the anthology of English poetry Fiori e glorie della letteratura inglese offerti nelle due lingue inglese ed Italiana, edited by Marcello Mazzoni. The doomed journey of the visionary poet is not interpreted any more as prophetic of Shelley's premature death, nor is it symbolic of a Romantic hero's enterprise led astray. It is, indeed, an interesting choice, possibly meant to create a connection between Shelley and Italy. A historical reading of the translation, especially its concluding lines, suggests a final celebration of the Romantic era through the commemoration of the figure of Alastor, while also presenting an unusual appeal to mankind.
