Bread and Wine: Analysis of Major Characters
"Bread and Wine: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate relationships and moral struggles of various characters in a politically charged environment. Central to the narrative is Pietro Spina, a former student turned antiwar priest who embodies the fight for justice despite facing personal and societal challenges. His transformation into "Don Paolo Spada" highlights his commitment to advocating against war, notably during the Abyssinian conflict. The supporting cast includes characters like Doctor Nunzio Sacca, who aids Spina, and Matelena Ricotta, who provides him refuge. The story also explores the lives of Bianchina Girasole and Cristina Colamartini, both of whom navigate personal sacrifices and societal pressures, reflecting varying responses to moral dilemmas. Other characters, such as Alberto Colamartini and Pompeo, illustrate the complexities of social status and ideological shifts during tumultuous times. Ultimately, the interplay of these characters paints a rich tableau of struggle, faith, and the pursuit of justice amidst the backdrop of war. This analysis invites readers to consider how individual choices resonate within larger societal conflicts.
Bread and Wine: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Ignazio Silone
First published: German translation, 1936 as Brot und Wein; Italian original, 1937 as Pane e vino; revision, 1955 as Vino e pane (English translation, 1962)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Italy
Plot: Social realism
Time: The 1930's
Pietro Spina (pee-EH-troh), a former favorite pupil of Don Benedetto. Despite physical hardships and intellectual disappointments, Spina remains faithful to his concept of justice and thus demonstrates that good men will fight, even if unsuccessful, as long as they exist. He ages his features with iodine and as a priest, “Don Paolo Spada,” becomes an antiwar agitator among the mountaineers.
Doctor Nunzio Sacca (NEWN-zee-oh SAH-kah), an old friend who finds and helps Spina.
Matelena Ricotta (mah-teh-LAY-nah ree-KOHT-tah), owner of the mountain inn where Spina hides.
Bianchina Girasole (bee-ahn-KEE-nah jeer-ah-SOH-leh), who considers Spina a saint because he consoled her following an abortion. She seduces Alberto, the brother of her friend Cristina, and becomes a prostitute when sent to Rome by Spina to agitate against the Abyssinian War frenzy.
Cristina Colamartini (krihs-TEE-nah koh-lah-mahr-TEEnee), whose devotion to God goes beyond reason. She sacrifices herself to cold and the wolves to carry food to the hidden Spina.
Alberto Colamartini, the brother of Cristina, and socially above any Girasole.
Pompeo (pom-PAY-oh), the son of a Fossa chemist. Once a reformer, he catches the war frenzy and nearly denounces Spina for writing antiwar slogans on walls.
Romeo, head of the antiwar movement in Rome until he is captured.
Uliva (ewl-EE-vah), a disillusioned man who is killed by a bomb he is making to blow up a church filled with government officials.
Murica (mewr-EE-kah), a potential ally in Spina's struggle to put God back in the affairs of man. He is killed by government authorities.
Don Benedetto (beh-neh-DEHT-toh), an old Catholic teacher and Spina's intellectual mentor.
Marta, his faithful sister.