The Romance of a Schoolmaster: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Romance of a Schoolmaster" delves into the experiences of Emilio Ratti, a young Italian schoolmaster navigating the challenges of teaching in a small community. Ratti, burdened by the expectations and criticisms from students and the local populace, eventually earns a position in the city of Turin after years of dedication. His love interest, Faustina Galli, is a talented schoolteacher who grapples with societal pressures and her responsibility to care for her disabled father, which prevents her from reciprocating Ratti's feelings. The narrative also features Professor Megari, Ratti's mentor, who supports him during difficult times, and Giovanni Labaccio, a self-serving character who abandons teaching for wealth, criticizing others in the profession for their perceived greed. Additionally, Carlo Lerica, a former soldier, finds fulfillment in teaching, echoing Ratti's journey in seeking a better life through education. This exploration of diverse characters showcases the complexity of the teaching profession and the societal dynamics at play in rural Italy.
The Romance of a Schoolmaster: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Edmondo de Amicis
First published: Il romanzo d'un maestro, 1890 (English translation, 1892)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Italy
Plot: Social
Time: Nineteenth century
Emilio Ratti (RAHT-tee), a young Italian schoolmaster. He learns the tribulations of teaching school in a small community. Badgered by the pupils and the patrons of his schools, he finds that everyone—even the priests—seems to use the teachers as scapegoats. After several years of teaching in rural communities, he passes the examination that permits him to obtain a much better teaching position in the city of Turin.
Faustina Galli (fah-ews-TEE-nah GAHL-lee), a pretty young schoolteacher loved by Emilio Ratti. She learns that she is regarded as fair game by petty village officials who solicit her favors with cajolery and threats. She cannot return Emilio Ratti's love because she has the responsibility of caring for a crippled father. Like Ratti, she is a devoted and successful teacher.
Professor Megari (meh-GAH-ree), one of Emilio Ratti's professors at the normal school. At the request of Emilio's dying mother, the professor encourages the young man and, at one point, saves him from drunkenness.
Giovanni Labaccio (jee-oh-VAHN-nee lah-BAHK-keeoh), an insinuating young man who tries to please everyone. He marries a rich widow and thus escapes from the drudgery of teaching. Although he marries the widow, an older woman, only for her money, he reviles his former fellow teachers as persons interested in money and advancement, rather than teaching.
Carlo Lerica (leh-REE-kah), a former corporal of grenadiers who turns to teaching school as a better life than that of an enlisted man in the Italian army. Like Emilio Ratti, he becomes a good schoolteacher.