The essay investigates the forms of sarcasm and irony expressed by Leopardi in his Epistolario, with a particular focus on the markedly dialogic and heterodirected character of this writing. It also mentions some significant passages on this theme in the Operette Morali and in the Zibaldone. The analysis proceeds through the main leopardian correspondences (in particular with family members and friends such as Pietro Brighenti and Pietro Giordani), also focusing on the linguistic register and on some interesting collateral notations, such as on Roman society and on women’s costumes and character. The conclusions are focused on a connection between Arimane, an evil divinity to whom in 1833 Leopardi dedicates an unfinished hymn, and his quotation in the letters in a comic-satirical key.

Costanza Geddes da Filicaia, professoressa associata di Letteratura italiana contemporanea presso l’Uni­versità di Macerata, si è occupata, fra i vari argomenti, di studi leopardiani, di letteratura per l’infanzia, dell’opera di Dino Campana, della letteratura giuliana, dei rapporti fra lingua e letteratura. È, dal 2021, giurata del premio letterario “Viareggio-Rèpaci”.