Saggio di ricerche sulla satira contro il villano

This study offers a thoughtful exploration of the medieval tradition of mocking the “villano,” the humble peasant who became a frequent target of satire. Drawing on a wide range of poems, proverbs and short narratives, the author traces how economic pressures and the clash between rural and urban life fueled a fierce literary hostility toward this social class.

Beyond cataloguing the verses, the work connects the ridicule of the villano to the emergence of one of the principal masks of the Commedia dell’Arte, suggesting that the caricature’s roots lie deeper than mere comic relief. An appendix of previously unpublished documents enriches the investigation, giving listeners a glimpse of rare primary sources that illuminate the cultural atmosphere of the late Middle Ages. The essay balances rigorous scholarship with clear, engaging prose, making it an accessible entry point for anyone curious about the interplay of literature, economics and social prejudice in medieval Europe.