ABSTRACT
In all of Elio Vittorini's works of fiction there appear characters described as possessing the qualities of kings and queens. The Gran Lombardo in Conversazione in Sicilia is the first example that comes to mind but a close reading of the texts reveals their presence in all of his works up to Le citta del monila. The use of this simile is not at all misplaced in a prose style which is so similar both to the stylized imagery of fairy tales and the prophetic tones of religious language. This chapter examines the context in which these similes were used and trace their 'history' and meaning. It then focuses on a generational issue which often works in parallel with the presence of 'royal' characters. The most charismatic characters in Vittorini's fiction are endowed with 'royal qualities', and more often than not they are also grandfathers. The short stories of Piccola borghesia contained a peculiarly focused image of parental relationships.
