The Tartar Steppe is a novel written by Italian author Dino Buzzati in 1940. The book tells the story of a young officer, Giovanni Drogo, and his life spent guarding the Bastiani Fortress, an isolated military outpost located on the Tartar Steppe. The novel is widely regarded as Buzzati’s major work and has contributed to the linking of his name with that of Franz Kafka.
The Tartar Steppe is a powerful allegory that explores the themes of time, death, and the human condition. The novel’s protagonist, Giovanni Drogo, is a young man who dreams of adventure and glory. However, he soon realizes that his life is destined to be spent guarding a fortress that is never under attack. As the years pass, Drogo becomes increasingly disillusioned and begins to question the purpose of his life. The novel is a poignant examination of the human experience, and it raises important questions about the nature of existence and the meaning of life.
Dino Buzzati and ‘The Tartar Steppe’
Dino Buzzati was an Italian author and journalist who lived from 1906 to 1972. He is best known for his novel, “The Tartar Steppe,” which was published in 1940. The novel is considered an allegory for the human experience of waiting and longing for something that may never come.
Buzzati’s writing style is known for its vivid descriptions and surreal imagery. He often used allegory and symbolism to explore themes such as the human condition, the passage of time, and the search for meaning in life.
In “The Tartar Steppe,” Buzzati tells the story of Giovanni Drogo, a young officer who is sent to a remote fortress on the edge of the Tartar steppe. The novel explores themes such as the futility of life, the nature of time, and the human desire for purpose and meaning.
Overview of ‘The Tartar Steppe’
“The Tartar Steppe” is a novel by Italian author Dino Buzzati, published in 1940. The story follows the life of Giovanni Drogo, a young officer who is sent to guard the Bastiani Fortress, an isolated outpost on the Tartar Steppe. The novel is known for its allegorical nature, exploring themes of human existence, time, and the futility of life.
Throughout the novel, Drogo struggles with the monotony of his life at the fortress, waiting for an enemy that never comes. He becomes obsessed with the idea of a battle and the glory that would come with it, but as time passes, he realizes that his life is slipping away without any real purpose.
Buzzati’s writing style is often described as surreal and dreamlike, with vivid descriptions of the landscape and a sense of detachment from reality. The novel’s allegorical nature allows for multiple interpretations and has been analyzed in various ways, including as a commentary on fascism and the human condition.
Allegorical Elements in ‘The Tartar Steppe’
The Tartar Steppe by Dino Buzzati is an allegorical novel that explores the themes of time, human existence, and the futility of life. The novel’s allegorical elements are evident in the characters, setting, and plot.
The main character, Giovanni Drogo, represents the human condition of waiting for something that may never come. He spends his life guarding the Bastiani Fortress, waiting for an enemy that never appears. This represents the futility of life and the human tendency to wait for something that may never come.
The setting of the novel, the Bastiani Fortress, is also allegorical. It represents the human mind, which is guarded by our beliefs and expectations. The fortress is a symbol of the barriers that humans build around themselves to protect their beliefs and ideas.
The plot of the novel is also allegorical. The story follows Giovanni Drogo’s life, which is a metaphor for human existence. His life is filled with waiting, boredom, and unfulfilled expectations. The novel suggests that life is a journey filled with waiting and unfulfilled expectations, and that the only way to find meaning is to accept the futility of life.
Themes and Motifs
The Absurdity of War
One of the major themes in The Tartar Steppe is the absurdity of war. The novel portrays the futility of war and the senselessness of the sacrifices made by soldiers. The soldiers in the novel are stationed at the Bastiani Fortress, waiting for an enemy that never comes. The novel highlights the boredom and monotony of military life and the psychological toll it takes on the soldiers. The author uses this theme to criticize the glorification of war and the dehumanization of soldiers.
The Nature of Time
Another important theme in The Tartar Steppe is the nature of time. The novel explores the idea that time is relative and that it is subjective. The protagonist, Giovanni Drogo, spends his entire life waiting for something to happen, but time seems to pass by slowly. The novel suggests that time is a construct of the human mind and that it is influenced by one’s perception of reality. The author uses this theme to emphasize the importance of living in the present and enjoying life.
The Quest for Meaning
The quest for meaning is a recurring motif in The Tartar Steppe. The novel follows the life of Giovanni Drogo, who is searching for a purpose in life. He joins the military in the hope of finding meaning and purpose, but he is ultimately disappointed. The novel suggests that the search for meaning is a universal human experience and that it is often elusive. The author uses this motif to explore the human condition and the existential crisis that many people face.
Characters as Allegorical Figures
Giovanni Drogo
Giovanni Drogo is the main character in “The Tartar Steppe.” He is a young officer who is assigned to guard the Bastiani Fortress, which is situated in a desolate and barren landscape. Drogo is an allegorical figure that represents the human condition. He is a symbol of the human desire for purpose and meaning, and the struggle to find these in a world that can seem devoid of them. As Drogo waits for the Tartars to attack, he becomes increasingly aware of the futility of his mission, and the realization that his life has been spent waiting for something that will never come.
The Fort
The fort is another allegorical figure in the novel. It represents the human desire for security and stability. The fort is a symbol of the human need for protection from the dangers of the outside world. However, the fort is also a prison, as the soldiers are trapped within its walls, unable to leave. This is a metaphor for the human need for security, which can often lead to a sense of confinement and restriction.
Other Key Characters
There are several other key characters in the novel that are also allegorical figures. These include the Captain, who represents authority and the power of the state, and the Doctor, who represents knowledge and the search for truth. The Tartars themselves are also allegorical figures, representing the unknown and the mysterious. The novel suggests that the human condition is defined by a constant search for meaning and purpose in a world that can seem chaotic and meaningless.
Setting as Allegory
In “The Tartar Steppe” by Dino Buzzati, the setting serves as an allegory for the human condition. The story takes place in a remote fortress overlooking a vast desert, which can be divided into three distinct parts: the desert, the steppe, and the fortress.
The Desert
The desert represents the unknown and the uncertain. It is vast and mysterious, and the characters in the story are constantly searching for meaning in its emptiness. The desert is also a symbol of time, as it is constantly shifting and changing, much like the passage of time in human life.
The Steppe
The steppe represents the journey of life. It is a vast expanse of land that the characters must traverse in order to reach the fortress. The steppe is full of obstacles and challenges, much like the journey of life. The characters must navigate through it in order to reach their ultimate destination.
The Fortress
The fortress represents the end of the journey. It is the ultimate goal that the characters are striving for. However, once they reach the fortress, they realize that it is not what they expected it to be. It is old and unmaintained, and there is nothing inside but emptiness. The fortress represents the futility of human existence, as the characters realize that their journey was ultimately meaningless.
Interpretations of the Allegory
Existentialist Reading
In an existentialist reading of The Tartar Steppe, the novel is seen as an exploration of the individual’s struggle to find meaning in an indifferent world. The protagonist, Giovanni Drogo, is a young officer who is sent to a remote fortress to guard against a possible Tartar invasion. He spends his entire life waiting for the Tartars to arrive, only to realize that they never will. This realization leads him to question the purpose of his life and the futility of his existence.
Psychoanalytic Reading
A psychoanalytic reading of The Tartar Steppe focuses on the novel’s exploration of the human psyche. The fortress where Giovanni Drogo is stationed is seen as a representation of the mind, with the Tartars representing the repressed desires and fears of the unconscious. Drogo’s obsession with the Tartars can be seen as a manifestation of his own inner turmoil, and his eventual realization that they will never come can be seen as a moment of catharsis.
Socio-Political Reading
A socio-political reading of The Tartar Steppe sees the novel as a commentary on the nature of power and authority. The fortress where Giovanni Drogo is stationed represents the state, and his role as a guard represents the role of the individual in maintaining the status quo. The Tartars represent the threat of the other, and the fear of invasion represents the fear of change and disruption to the established order. The novel can be seen as a warning against the dangers of blind obedience to authority and the need for individuals to question the systems that govern their lives.
Influence and Legacy of ‘The Tartar Steppe’
‘The Tartar Steppe’ has been widely regarded as one of the most influential works of Italian literature. The novel has been translated into numerous languages and has gained a global readership.
The novel’s themes of existentialism, isolation, and the futility of human existence have resonated with readers and have inspired a number of other literary works. It has been cited as an influence on the works of authors such as Italo Calvino and Umberto Eco.
In addition to its literary influence, ‘The Tartar Steppe’ has also been adapted into several films and theatrical productions. The novel’s vivid descriptions of the landscape and its characters have lent themselves well to visual mediums.
Comparisons to Other Works
Kafka’s ‘The Castle’
In Kafka’s ‘The Castle,’ the protagonist K. is also caught in a never-ending struggle against an inaccessible and mysterious authority. Similarly, Buzzati’s Giovanni Drogo is trapped in a remote fortress, waiting for an enemy that never arrives. Both novels explore the theme of isolation and the absurdity of human existence.
Saint-Exupéry’s ‘The Little Prince’
In Saint-Exupéry’s ‘The Little Prince,’ the protagonist travels to different planets, meeting various characters who represent different human flaws. Similarly, Buzzati’s Giovanni Drogo meets a variety of characters in his remote outpost, each representing different aspects of life. Both novels explore the human condition and the search for meaning.
Orwell’s ‘1984’
Orwell’s ‘1984’ depicts a dystopian society in which the government controls every aspect of people’s lives. Similarly, Buzzati’s ‘The Tartar Steppe’ explores the theme of power and control, as Giovanni Drogo is subject to the whims of his superiors and the military hierarchy. Both novels warn against the dangers of totalitarianism and the loss of individual freedom.