Giovanni Verga, “Mastro don Gesualdo” e “Novelle rusticane”

Summary

The script explores the works of Giovanni Verga, focusing on his realist phase. It delves into two key collections: 'Novelle Rusticane' and the novel 'Mastro Don Gesualdo.' The themes of greed, social class, and the pursuit of material wealth dominate, especially in characters like Mazzarò and Gesualdo. The script highlights Verga's portrayal of the harsh realities of life, where ambition and obsession with wealth lead to isolation and despair. The narrative also reflects the historical context of Italy's unification, where societal changes affect the characters' destinies. Verga's work underscores the idea that despite change, some things remain unchanged.

Takeaways

• 😀 Verga's realist production can be divided into two phases: one with romantic elements in works like *I Malavoglia*, and another focused on materialism and greed, as seen in *Novelle Rusticane* and *Mastro Don Gesualdo*.
• 😀 The theme of 'roba' (material wealth) dominates the second phase of Verga's work, highlighting the obsession with accumulating land and wealth.
• 😀 In *Libertà*, Verga depicts the 1860 revolution in Bronte, where peasants rebel, believing that the arrival of Garibaldi and the unification of Italy would lead to a redistribution of wealth, but they are violently suppressed.
• 😀 The novella *La Roba* tells the story of Mazzarò, a peasant who accumulates vast wealth, but is consumed by his greed, unable to enjoy his riches and mistreats those around him.
• 😀 Mazzarò's obsession with 'roba' is so extreme that he destroys his property in a fit of madness before his death, demonstrating the emptiness of his material pursuits.
• 😀 *Mastro Don Gesualdo* is about a man, Gesualdo, who rises from humble beginnings as a mason to become one of the wealthiest men in his region, but his ambition isolates him from those around him.
• 😀 Gesualdo's marriage to Bianca, a woman from an impoverished noble family, is marked by resentment and distance, emphasizing the theme of social and emotional isolation in Verga’s work.
• 😀 Unlike Mazzarò, Gesualdo makes the mistake of trying to change his social status through marriage, but this decision leads to his downfall as he loses his connections and happiness.
• 😀 Verga’s characters often suffer from their greed and ambition, as they are unable to find fulfillment or happiness despite acquiring wealth or status.
• 😀 The tragic endings in Verga's works, such as Gesualdo's loneliness and eventual death, reflect the futility of materialism and the impossibility of escaping one's social fate.

Q & A

What is the main theme in Giovanni Verga's second phase of literary production?

The main theme in Verga's second phase is 'la roba', which refers to the greed for wealth and the accumulation of material goods. This theme dominates his works during this period, such as *Novelle Rusticane* and *Mastro Don Gesualdo*.

What is the significance of 'la roba' in Verga's works?

'La roba' symbolizes materialism and greed. It represents the obsession with acquiring wealth and land, and it profoundly influences the characters' actions and lives in Verga's later works.

What historical event does Verga's novella 'Libertà' focus on?

The novella 'Libertà' centers around the 1860 revolt in Bronte, Sicily, where poor peasants, inspired by the ideals of freedom, revolt against the landowners following the arrival of Garibaldi and his army.

How do the peasants in 'Libertà' perceive the idea of freedom?

The peasants in 'Libertà' equate freedom with the redistribution of land and resources. They believe that with the unification of Italy, their lives will improve through the redistribution of 'la roba'.

What is the outcome of the revolt in 'Libertà'?

The revolt in 'Libertà' leads to violence, with peasants killing landowners, clergy, and officials. However, when Garibaldi’s forces arrive, the peasants are brutally punished, reflecting the conservative view that people should remain in their designated social roles.

What is the main character's obsession in the novella 'La Roba'?

In 'La Roba', the main character, Mazzarò, is obsessed with accumulating wealth and land. Despite becoming extremely rich, he is fixated on acquiring more 'roba' and is indifferent to human relationships or emotions.

What does Mazzarò's character reveal about Verga's critique of society?

Mazzarò's character serves as a critique of the materialistic and self-serving aspects of society. Verga portrays Mazzarò’s relentless pursuit of wealth, showing how it dehumanizes him, highlighting the destructive nature of greed.

What is the irony in Mazzarò's character in 'La Roba'?

The irony in Mazzarò’s character is that although he accumulates vast wealth and land, he is never able to enjoy his success. His obsession with acquiring more 'roba' leads to a lonely and unfulfilling life.

How does Mastro Don Gesualdo's journey mirror that of Mazzarò?

Like Mazzarò, Mastro Don Gesualdo is motivated by the desire to acquire wealth and elevate his social status. However, Gesualdo’s ambition leads him to make personal sacrifices, such as neglecting his children and marrying into a poor noble family, ultimately resulting in his downfall.

What is the tragic element in the life of Mastro Don Gesualdo?

The tragedy in Gesualdo's life lies in his pursuit of wealth and nobility at the expense of his personal happiness and relationships. Despite his financial success, he dies in isolation and bitterness, without ever achieving true fulfillment.