La casa nasconde. Appostamenti, provocazioni, voci dal contemporaneo (Masino, Lispector, Millás, Perec)

Abstract

 The article aims to detect and define a characteristic motif, in Contemporary literature: that of the solitary exploration of (or reclusion inside) domestic space, which allows a character, or a narrator, to unveil daily scenes of intimacy. Albeit based on quite heterogeneous narrative contents and situations, the comparison brings to the fore some specific, unsettling spatial dynamics and metaphors, thus enriching our conception of geocritical analysis. In their intrinsic diversity, such books as Masino’s Nascita e morte della massaia, Lispector’s A paixão segundo G.H., Millás’ Desde la sombra, and Perec’s La Via mode d’emploi, all testify to the relevance of seeing while remaining unseen, disclosing the perturbating power of a home that conceals its secret core.