An exploration of suffering and evil in Alessandro Manzoni's I Promessi Sposi and the book of Job

Abstract

This thesis aims to investigate the problematic theme of evil and suffering, in particular unjust suffering, in two major literary works, the book of Job and Alessandro Manzoni's novel I Promessi Sposi. This work examines how this theme is treated in Job and reflected in the novel. This study first puts in perspective the background of Alessandro Manzoni, his ideology and the historical context in which the novel is set Following will feature an examination of Job, to establish an insight into how the theme of suffering is perceived therein. Finally an extensive analysis is undertaken, to establish parallelisms and similarities between the two books. The result indicates that the theme of suffering, which is found in Job, is reflected often in Manzoni's novel, as the latter was using the novel to convey his strong religious convictions. Evil and suffering is often shown to be, the result of the exercise of man's free will and not a form of retribution for misdeeds. Furthermore the outcome highlights that both books do not give a categorical answer for the existence of evil and suffering, but only indicate that this may serve purposes, which are not easily understood, as these may form part of God's mysterious plan. In conclusion the outcome shows that Manzoni, in conformity with Job, conveys his belief that the burden of evil and suffering, even though it will always be present in the life of humankind, could be eased and borne, through complete hope faith and trust in God.