In Italian literature, what is the central thematic symbol in Giovanni Pascoli's famous poem 'X Agosto' (Tenth of August)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. A swallow shot down while carrying food
- Step 1: In 'X Agosto', Pascoli parallelizes the death of a swallow (rondine) carrying insect prey to its starving chicks with the assassination of his father Ruggero on St. Lawrence's night. Answer: A swallow shot down while carrying food. Why not the others: The broom flower (La Ginestra) is Leopardi's symbol, and the locomotive appears in Carducci's 'Inno a Satana'.
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