Chapter Six - War (1940–1943)

Summary

On September 3, 1939, Ada Gobetti wrote to Croce, faulting “circumstances” for her not having responded more quickly to his letter of August 25. Such circumstances had enormous significance. Nazi Germany had invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, and France and England had declared war on Germany on the same day as Ada's letter. World War II had begun. Italy affirmed its nonbelligerent status in the conflict, but this would change within the year. Uncertain of what to do when she first heard the news of war, Ada decided that the best course of action would be to remain in Turin for the time being. She planned to send Paolo ahead to Pollone to be with Elena Croce and her family and then join him a few days later. But Croce's letter of September 12, 1939, indicated that Paolo's arrival had been delayed. It had taken Croce himself eleven hours to travel from Turin to Pollone, a trip of only fifty miles. Croce said that he hoped to see her before he left Pollone. Ada's next letter, however, indicated that she had not made it to Pollone before the senator's departure.

The wartime letters between Ada Gobetti and Benedetto Croce provide a picture of civilian life for two antifascist intellectuals who tried to continue their scholarly activities despite bombardments and censorship. Their experiences show how difficult it was for scholars to conduct research during the period leading to war and after Italy joined the conflict, particularly for those working on English writers. They turned to their studies for relief from the growing warlike atmosphere, seeking refuge in the world of scholarship. At the same time, they worried about possible damage to their extensive libraries. Sometimes the letters also reflect a state of mind of depression and fear that was not easily overcome given the alarms that became more and more frequent in Turin and Naples. They give a picture of Ada and Croce as parents concerned about their children's development— and above all about their safety. They show that Ada continued to teach and translate during the war as well. The letters are also important for what they do not include, namely a discussion of Ada's political activities during this time, a wise choice given that the watchful eyes of the fascist police scrutinized the correspondence.