The Eternal Prank: Myth, Satire and Drama

By Erminio G. Neglia

All works of literary art are shaped by individual subjectivity. Neglia's The Eternal Prank is no exception. He draws on his roots and on his experience as a teacher of Literature. His stories(the first part of the book) are imbued with humor and satire. They deal with his life in his country of origin as well as in the United States, Canada and Latin America. His familiarity with the Italian immigrants' life in Canada inspired him to write Here, all, together, keeping company (one of the two plays in the book). This play revolves around the Italian immigrants' experience in Canada. It is set in a room of an indefinite building (its use is only revealed at the end), amid games of 'scopa, ' the characters discuss many things, from family life to politics. Italy is always present in their mind. Although entertaining, the play has some serious notes. Besides discussing everyday problems, the characters raise questions about life and death. The play ends with a nostalgic note and a revelation: the place is a mausoleum and they are all dead. The other play, The case of Clara Bellucci (the longest of the two plays), is a symbiosis of an old myth and modern life. It's the myth of the Devil in his deals with men. Clara lives between the polar opposites of good and evil. At the end free will prevails.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1929882521
• ISBN13: 9781929882526
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Biographical Publishing Company
• Length: 139 Pages