Aspetti regionalistici nelle novelle di Giovanni Verga

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to show how Giovanni Verga' s native island has a profound significance for the author, becoming the nucleus of his creative fantasy. Giovanni Verga writes about human plights, describing a way of life which is part of him. The plots of his novels are extremely simple but abbundant with deep sympathy and affection for his characters. Their existance is portrayed within the limited boundaries of their small village and their ordeals are closely knit with their traditions and beliefs. These rigid beliefs and traditions very often increment their sorrows and affliction. The author portrays the peasants' blind acceptance of their ordeals with a rare indifference, in their conviction of the inevitable, unchangeable force of destiny. Verga's narrative, not only depicts the Sicilian way of life, but also brings out its humanity, with such strength of sentiment that his literature is heightened to liricism. Verga is not only an acute observer, he has an extraordinary impersonative ability, so that his characters' sorrows and tragedies are his, and their plights and desperate prayers form part of his most profound and intimate feelings. The author is not moved by compassion towards his characters: he feels one of them. Verga's analysis is so detailed, and yet his narrative (ii) style so concise, that his novels stand out for originality and breath-taking effect. Further more the islanders' temperament is so crudely and so realistically conveyed that his characters seem to become alive. Enthralled by this fascinating narrative style, I was induced to further my research on the works of Giovanni Verga.