Diagnosing Malta's condition in the novel

Abstract

Throughout the decades Maltese literature has reflected the Mediterranean environment to determine its influence on character. The use of harbour cities (like Birgu and Valletta) in different Maltese novels reflects the social behaviour of the inhabitants. For this presentation two major novels will be discussed: Anton Manwel Caruana's Inez Farrug (1889) and Oliver Friggieri's La Jibnazza Nigi Lura (2006). The former treats social life in harbour districts during the 15,h century and discusses its similarity with 19'h-century social behaviour; and the latter treats industrial life connected with the harbour in the early 20,h century. The paper discusses the relevance of urbanization in terms of these aspects vis-a-vis rural attitudes and way of life in a traditional Maltese environment with some implications of colonialism in Maltese fiction.