The House by the Medlar Tree: Analysis of Major Characters
"The House by the Medlar Tree" explores the struggles and dynamics of the Malavoglia family, who once enjoyed prosperity but face a series of tragedies and challenges. At the center is 'Ntoni Malavoglia, the family's patriarch, whose decision to invest in black beans leads to their downfall when his boat, the Provvidenza, is wrecked. His wife, La Longa, grapples with the financial strain imposed by Uncle Crucifix, a moneylender, ultimately signing over their house in a desperate attempt to settle debts. Their children also face fateful paths: 'Ntoni's return from military service sees him turn to smuggling, while Luca is conscripted and killed in battle. Youngest son Alessio becomes a pivotal figure as he earns money to reclaim the family's home. The complex relationships within the family are further enriched by characters like Mena and Lia, the daughters, and their suitors, including Alfio Mosca and Don Michele, who is tragically involved in a violent encounter with 'Ntoni. This narrative weaves themes of ambition, loss, and the harsh realities of life, reflective of broader social issues.
The House by the Medlar Tree: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Giovanni Verga
First published: I Malavoglia, 1881 (partial English translation, 1890, 1953; complete translation, 1964)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Sicily
Plot: Impressionistic realism
Time: Mid-nineteenth century
Padron 'Ntoni Malavoglia (N-toh-nee mah-lah-VOHL-yee-ah), head of the once-prosperous family that lives by the medlar tree.
Bastianazzo (bah-stee-ahn-NAHZ-zoh), his son. His ambition to take black beans to Riposto to sell at a huge profit ruins the family when his boat, the Provvidenza, is wrecked.
La Longa, Bastianazzo's wife, who distrusts Uncle Crucifix, the moneylender, but signs over to his assignee her rights to the house when he repeatedly demands payment for his loan on the lost beans. She dies of cholera.
'Ntoni, their oldest son, who returns from military service and becomes a smuggler. Caught, he is sentenced to the galleys for five years.
Luca (LEW-kah), their second son, who is conscripted and killed in battle.
Alessio (ah-LEHS-see-oh), their youngest son, who earns the money to regain his house by the medlar tree.
Mena (MEH-nah), their oldest daughter.
Lia (LEE-ah), their youngest daughter, loved by Don Michele.
Uncle Crucifix Dumbbell, a local usurer who takes over the house after his loan to buy beans is not repaid.
Goosefoot, his assistant. Uncle Crucifix pretends to assign his loan to Goosefoot, hoping collection will thus be easier.
Don Michele, commander of the coast guard, who is stabbed by Ntoni.
Alfio Mosca (ahl-FEE-oh MOHS-kah), a carter who loves Mena.