I RIASSUNTINI - IL GIORNO DELLA CIVETTA

Summary

In this video, the speaker provides an engaging summary of the novel *Il giorno della civetta* (The Day of the Owl) by Leonardo Sciascia. The story revolves around the murder of a businessman, Salvatore Colasberna, in Sicily, and the subsequent investigation by Captain Bellodi. As Bellodi uncovers the mafia's influence over the community and its entanglement with politics, the investigation reveals a complex web of corruption, betrayal, and the silencing of witnesses. The novel highlights themes of fear, justice, and the deep-seated power of the mafia in Sicilian society.

Takeaways

• 😀 The novel *Il Giorno della Civetta* by Leonardo Sciascia explores the theme of Mafia influence in Sicily and the struggle for justice.
• 😀 The plot begins with the murder of businessman Salvatore Sterna, who is killed in a public space with witnesses who later refuse to cooperate, highlighting the theme of *omertà* (code of silence).
• 😀 The investigation into the murder is led by Captain Bellodi, who quickly determines it was a Mafia-related crime despite initial resistance from the community and local authorities.
• 😀 The plot reveals that people living in Mafia-dominated areas often choose silence and inaction due to fear of retaliation or because they benefit from the Mafia’s presence.
• 😀 One key witness, a panella vendor, initially refuses to provide any information but later recalls hearing gunshots, which leads to further developments in the investigation.
• 😀 Captain Bellodi uncovers a political conspiracy and Mafia connections, which complicate the investigation and lead to political pressure to end it.
• 😀 The case is hindered by the Mafia’s deep influence in local politics, as many politicians and influential figures work to suppress the truth.
• 😀 The investigation reveals that Diego Marchica, a notorious hitman, is likely responsible for the murder, but has previously evaded justice due to lack of evidence.
• 😀 Despite gathering significant evidence, Captain Bellodi’s efforts are undermined by the political establishment, and key witnesses disappear or are killed under mysterious circumstances.
• 😀 The novel ends by emphasizing the pervasive power of the Mafia and the inefficacy of the justice system, raising questions about corruption and the moral compromises in society.

Q & A

What is the main plot of the book 'Il giorno della civetta' discussed in the video?

The book centers around the murder of Salvatore Sterna, the president of an organization called Santa Fara. He is killed while trying to board a bus in Piazza Garibaldi. The investigation reveals themes of mafia involvement, corruption, and omertà, the code of silence.

What role does omertà play in the story?

Omertà is a central theme in the story. It refers to the code of silence that citizens in mafia-dominated areas follow, where they refuse to cooperate with authorities out of fear of retaliation or to protect their own interests tied to the criminal underworld.

How does the character of Captain Bellodi contribute to the investigation?

Captain Bellodi is tasked with investigating the murder. He quickly identifies it as a mafia-related crime, despite facing political pressure to abandon the case. His determination to uncover the truth leads him to expose various layers of corruption.

What does the mafia’s involvement in the investigation reveal about the political situation?

The mafia's influence extends into the political sphere, as some politicians attempt to derail the investigation. They protect mafia interests to maintain their own positions, which is revealed through the manipulation of evidence and obstruction of justice.

What is the significance of the witness, the panella vendor?

The panella vendor initially witnesses the crime but is uncooperative with the authorities, embodying the code of omertà. Eventually, after being interrogated, he recalls hearing gunshots, which provide a key lead in the investigation.

What was the role of the double agent who served as an informant for both the mafia and the police?

The double agent provided crucial information to Captain Bellodi, revealing that the priest, Sori Pizzocco, was the mastermind behind the murder. This informant's revelations helped uncover the complex web of mafia ties.

How does the case develop after Bellodi's investigation?

As Bellodi delves deeper into the case, he uncovers the involvement of key mafia figures, including a hitman named Diego Marchica. Despite evidence pointing to Marchica, the investigation is thwarted by mafia-backed politicians who manipulate the justice system.

What happens to the key witnesses and suspects as the story progresses?

The key witnesses, including the informant who knew the identity of the hitman, are either silenced or disappear under mysterious circumstances. Eventually, the suspects are released due to lack of sufficient evidence, despite Bellodi’s efforts.

How do the political figures in the story attempt to protect the mafia?

Political figures in the story work to protect the mafia by sabotaging the investigation, spreading false alibis for key suspects, and pressuring authorities to abandon the case. Their actions are driven by a need to maintain their political power, which relies on mafia support.

What is the ultimate resolution of the case in the story?

Despite Bellodi’s efforts, the case ends in a failure to convict the true perpetrators. The political system and mafia connections prevent the delivery of justice, and the key figures involved in the crime remain free, continuing their influence over the region.