?Una gran cosa?

摘要

The Italian Renaissance testified a surge of female writers, and with these an increasing focus on women’s access to knowledge institutions such as universities, academies, presses, and literary salons. An important text in this occasion is Moderata Fonte’s dialogue Il merito delle donne (The Worth of Women, 1600), which consists of a fictive dialogue between seven Venetian women. During their conversation they explore and discuss different aspects of women’s life and experiences. The true novelty with Fonte’s dialogue, however, is the author’s deep social engagement. Her critique is specific encompassing the ordinary life in Venice, while at the same time calling to action.