Giacomo Leopardi was an important writer in 19th century Italy. His work was shaped by the world around him during that time. Here are some key points about his influences:

1. Political Chaos: In early 19th century Italy, there was a lot of fighting for unification. This struggle led to a movement called the Risorgimento, which lasted from 1815 to 1871. Because of this, Leopardi became skeptical about progress and the idea of nationalism.

2. Romanticism: This movement started during Leopardi's time and focused on strong feelings and nature. His poetry often shows deep emotions, like sadness and disappointment, which were common themes in Romantic literature. He wrote a lot about personal feelings and experiences.

3. Philosophy: This period also saw the rise of new ideas about life and existence. Leopardi read philosophers like Kant and Rousseau. Their thoughts influenced him to explore topics like human suffering and the search for meaning in a world that can feel uncaring.

4. Important Works: Some of Leopardi’s key works include:

   • "Canti" (1831): This is a collection of poems where he shows his talent for writing. The poems often focus on nature and feelings of despair.
   • "Operette Morali" (1827): This book contains dialogues that question human values and the rules of society.

In short, Leopardi's writings are closely connected to the culture of 19th century Italy. They show a mix of his personal experiences and the larger issues happening in society at the time.