Quand' Io MI Volgo Indietro a Mirar Gli Anni
The poem is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of human life. The speaker looks back on past years, lamenting the loss of youth, beauty, and happiness. They acknowledge the inevitability of aging and death, yet struggle to come to terms with their own mortality.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1343 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism · 381 words
First lines
THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE PAST ENHANCES HIS MISERY.
When I look back upon the many years Which in their flight my best thoughts have entomb'd, And spent the fire, that, spite her ice, consumed, And finish'd the repose so full of tears, Broken the faith which Love's young dream endears, And the two parts of all my blessing doom'd, This low in earth, while heaven has that resumed, And lost the guerdon of my pains and fears, I wake, and feel me to the bitter wind So bare, I envy the worst lot I see; Self-terror and heart-grief on me so wait.
What this Textopian page supports
Quand' Io MI Volgo Indietro a Mirar Gli Anni is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1343 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Francesco Petrarca
- Date: 1343 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry, Sonnet
- Length: 381 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Quand' Io MI Volgo Indietro a Mirar Gli Anni by Francesco Petrarca
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal expression and emotional depth, typical of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — The themes of loss, memory, and mourning align with the conventions of elegiac poetry.
- Romanticism — The focus on individual emotion and nature reflects the ideals of Romantic literature.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of fate, fortune, and existential reflection indicates a philosophical approach.
Tags
Italian literature · Renaissance poetry · Autobiographical · Memoir · Reflections on life · Nostalgia · Personal growth · Self-discovery · Historical context · 14th century Italy · Cultural heritage · Literary masterpiece
More by Francesco Petrarca
- Fifteen sonnets of Petrarch (1350)
- Voi, Ch' Ascoltate in Rime Sparse Il Suono (1343)
- Per Far Una Leggiadra Sua Vendetta (1343)
- Era 'L Giorno Ch' Al Sol Si Scoloraro (1343)
- Quel Ch' Infinita Providenza Ed Arte (1343)
- Quand' Io Movo I Sospiri a Chiamar Voi (1344)
- Si Traviato E 'L Folle Mio Desio (1343)
- La Gola E 'L Sonno E L' Oziose Piume (1344)
- All works by Francesco Petrarca