The Leopard

The Leopard is a novel which explores the unknown realms of death, with these three passages being prime examples of this. However, Lampedusa deals with this theme of death in an intricate manner such that, whilst these passages can be broadly paralleled with each other, the deaths that occur are not mere deaths of the human body, instead, Lampedusa chooses, through powerful language and vivid imagery, to outline how one man, Don Fabrizio can have such a profound effect on the lives of others and how decisions made in the present severely affect the events of the future.

“Just whatever you like, ladies; keep them or throw them on the rubbish heap; they have no value whatsoever.” This statement from the Pope’s secretary, Don Pacchiotti who was Piedmontese, “those who besieged the last Bourbon King”, was the final irony of the novel. No longer would the Salina name be dragged through mud, the last hint of prestige associated with this once prestigious household was now offi...