The Old and the Young: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Old and the Young: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex interplay of characters navigating social and political tensions in a Sicilian context. Central to the narrative is Flaminio Salvo, a mine owner whose capitalist ambitions clash with the struggles of his workers, leading him to take drastic measures during a strike. His daughter, Dianella, faces personal tragedy as her love for mine superintendent Aurelio Costa is thwarted by her father's refusal to accept Costa's financial status. The story also features Mauro Mortara, an elderly revolutionary grappling with disillusionment as he witnesses ongoing strife despite past sacrifices for freedom.
The Laurentano family adds layers to the narrative, with Prince Ippolito embodying royalist sentiments and his son Gerlando advocating for socialist ideals, highlighting generational divides within political beliefs. The election backdrop introduces Capolino, a clerical candidate backed by Salvo, and his rival Auriti, wrongfully imprisoned, whose familial ties to Gerlando complicate the political landscape. Additional characters, like Nicoletta Capolino and Corrado Selmi, further illustrate themes of betrayal and moral ambiguity. Overall, this analysis reveals rich character dynamics reflective of broader social issues, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of human relationships amid political upheaval.
The Old and the Young: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Luigi Pirandello
First published: I vecchi e i giovani, 1913 (English translation, 1928)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Sicily and Rome
Plot: Historical
Time: 1891–1892
Flaminio Salvo (flah-MEE-nee-oh), a mine owner and capitalist who backs the clerical party candidate in an election for a representative to the Italian Chamber of Deputies. When the workers in his Sicilian mines go on strike, he shuts down the mines in an effort to starve them out.
Dianella Salvo (dee-ah-NEHL-loh), Salvo's daughter, who is in love with Salvo's mine superintendent, Aurelio Costa. Salvo refuses to permit their marriage because Costa has no money. When Costa is murdered by a mob, Dianella goes mad and has to be locked up.
Mauro Mortara (MAH-ew-roh mohr-tah-rah), one of Garibaldi's followers, who is now an old man. He cannot understand why his old comrades must fight among themselves or why, after his generation fought for peace and freedom, there still seems to be neither. He is shot by troops firing on a crowd.
Prince Ippolito Laurentano (eep-poh-LEE-toh low-rehnTAH-noh), an old Garibaldist leader to whom Salvo is trying to marry his sister. He is still very much a royalist and loyal to the church. He lives in a world of his own on his estate in Sicily.
Prince Gerlando Laurentano (gehr-LAHN-doh), Ippolito Laurentano's son and a Socialist organizer. His position as a Socialist is embarrassing and incomprehensible to his family's friends. He is horrified by the conditions among the strikers in Salvo's mines.
Capolino (kah-poh-LEE-noh), the clerical party candidate whom Salvo is backing in the election.
Roberto Auriti (ah-ew-REE-tee), the man against whom Capolino is running in the election. Auriti is wrongly imprisoned for the misappropriation of government funds. He is Gerlando Laurentano's cousin.
Aurelio Costa (ah-ew-REH-lee-oh KOHS-tah), Salvo's mine superintendent, whom Dianella loves. When Costa learns that he cannot marry Dianella, he returns to the mines to join with the strikers. He is killed by the mob before he can explain why he is there.
Nicoletta Capolino (nee-koh-LEHT-tah), Capolino's wife, who attaches herself to the man who really misappropriated the government funds.
Corrado Selmi (kohr-RAH-doh SEHL-mee), the man who actually misappropriated the funds, the act for which Auriti is imprisoned.