ABSTRACT
The external chronology and the socio-historical context of the two works, for one thing, set them apart: Morante's last novel was published, whereas Gadda's first one appeared initially in instalments between 1938-1941. More significant is the stylistic difference. Whereas Gadda, with the baroque polyphony and '(pre-) postmodern’ parodic folds characteristic of his language, is seen as a daring literary innovator, Morante seems to embrace a more traditional approach to narrative writing. Morante's novel, instead, despite the bleakness of the story and of Manuele's prospects in life, conveys some sort of stoical serenity. True, Manuele doesn't have much to look forward to in his future, but his universe, albeit in turmoil, is firmly rooted, and so is his language, and so is Morante's novel. However, if the setting is openly imaginary in Gadda and essentially realistic in Morante, the effect of both characterization and narrative setup is such that La cognizione sounds scrupulously truthful, whereas Aracoeli emanates an aura of uncertainty.
