Meaning: Salvatore Quasimodo, an Italian author and poet, made this statement, shedding light on the origins of the Hermetic movement and the role of his own experiences during a dictatorship in shaping his poetic endeavors. The quote reflects the notion that even polemical or controversial poetry can be justified when viewed in the context of the sociopolitical environment in which it originates.

Quasimodo's reference to his "first poetic experiments" during a dictatorship alludes to the impact of living under an oppressive regime on his artistic development. Born in 1901, he came of age during a tumultuous period in Italy's history, marked by the rise of fascism and the rule of Benito Mussolini. Quasimodo's formative years as a poet coincided with the stifling atmosphere of political censorship and control, which undoubtedly influenced his creative expression.

The mention of the "Hermetic movement" in Quasimodo's quote is significant in understanding the literary and cultural context in which he operated. The Hermetic movement, or Hermeticism, refers to a poetic and artistic movement that emerged in Italy in the early 20th century. It was characterized by a focus on symbolism, metaphysical themes, and a rejection of the overtly political or didactic nature of poetry. The Hermetic poets sought to delve into the complexities of human experience and consciousness, often employing esoteric and enigmatic language to convey their ideas.

Quasimodo's assertion that his poetic experiments mark the origin of the Hermetic movement underscores his pivotal role in shaping this literary phenomenon. His early works, influenced by the challenging sociopolitical circumstances of his time, laid the groundwork for a new poetic sensibility that would come to define the Hermetic movement. Through his exploration of themes such as existential angst, alienation, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with turmoil, Quasimodo contributed to the evolution of Italian poetry and set the stage for a broader artistic movement.

The idea that even a polemic has some justification speaks to the contentious nature of artistic expression in politically charged environments. Quasimodo's acknowledgement of the potential validity of polemical poetry suggests that under repressive regimes, where freedom of speech and creativity are curtailed, the act of pushing boundaries and challenging authority through art can serve as a form of resistance and assertion of individuality. In such contexts, polemical poetry may be viewed as a necessary response to oppressive conditions, a means of bearing witness to injustice, and a form of catharsis for the artist and the audience alike.

Quasimodo's own journey as a poet under dictatorship exemplifies the complexities and contradictions inherent in creating art within authoritarian systems. His willingness to confront the harsh realities of his time through his poetry, while also contributing to a broader artistic movement that sought to transcend the immediate political context, underscores the multifaceted nature of artistic expression. By acknowledging the origins of the Hermetic movement in his own experiences, Quasimodo brings attention to the intertwined relationship between personal artistic evolution and the larger cultural and historical forces at play.

In conclusion, Salvatore Quasimodo's quote encapsulates the intricate interplay between personal experience, artistic innovation, and the broader sociopolitical landscape. His recognition of the origins of the Hermetic movement in his own poetic experiments during a dictatorship sheds light on the enduring impact of challenging circumstances on artistic expression. Moreover, his contemplation of the potential justification for polemical poetry within oppressive environments invites reflection on the role of art as a form of resistance and self-expression. Quasimodo's words resonate as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to illuminate the human experience in all its complexities.