In Sicily: Analysis of Major Characters
"In Sicily: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate dynamics of identity and human connection through the journey of Silvestro Ferrauto, a thirty-year-old narrator who returns to his Sicilian roots after years away. Disturbed by the unrest in Italy, particularly after a troubling letter from his father, Silvestro embarks on a journey to Recalmuto, aiming to reconnect with his heritage and understand his place in the world. The narrative introduces various characters who shape his experience, including his mother, Concezione Ferrauto, a resilient woman who supports her village through her work as an injection provider amid hardship.
Silvestro encounters several pivotal figures, such as the bold landowner known as Great Lombard, who embodies the proud Sicilian spirit, and Ezechiele, a thoughtful leatherworker who reflects on the struggles of society and Silvestro’s internal turmoil. The story also highlights more troubling aspects of Sicilian character through characters like Mustache and No Mustache, who represent a more callous nature. Silvestro's journey unfolds against the backdrop of historical turmoil, including the echoes of war and loss as symbolized by the voice of his deceased brother, the Soldier, who critiques the glorification of conflict. Overall, the analysis provides a rich exploration of personal and cultural themes set against the complex landscape of Sicilian life.
In Sicily: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Elio Vittorini
First published: Conversazione in Sicilia, 1937, serial; 1941, book (English translation, 1948)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Sicily
Plot: Philosophical
Time: The 1930's
Silvestro Ferrauto (fehr-rah-EW-toh), the narrator of the story, who is thirty years old. Disturbed by the turmoil in Italy, he decides to return to his native Sicily, which he left at the age of fifteen. He is especially moved to take the trip after receiving a letter from his father stating that he has left his mother; Silvestro spontaneously decides to visit her in Recalmuto, his birthplace, in part to discover himself. Leaving his job as a Linotype operator in Milan, Silvestro travels by train to Sicily, meeting a number of unique characters who help him to find peace and understanding of the world in which he lives.
Concezione Ferrauto (kohn-chay-ZEE-oh-nay), the narrator's mother, who lives simply in the village and makes a living giving injections to the inhabitants, who are plagued by consumption and malaria. She takes Silvestro on her rounds of giving injections and introduces him to the many different characters in the village. When asked why her husband left her, she pretends that she threw him out. Her simple life impresses Silvestro, especially the stoicism with which she faces the wartime death of Silvestro's brother.
Great Lombard, a nickname given to one of Silvestro's fellow passengers on the train journey across Sicily. He is Sicilian but of Lombard stock; that is, of Germanic background. Silvestro is impressed by his hearty, bold manner, not at all like most of the poor, struggling Sicilians usually encountered. A landowner, he typifies to Silvestro the proud Sicilian spirit, which is not bowed by fate.
The Knife-Grinder, a village character, tattered and poor. He goes through the town offering to grind knives and scissors but finds little to do. Silvestro gives him his pocketknife to grind, and the Knife-Grinder then leads him to Ezechiele, a leatherworker.
Ezechiele (eh-zeh-kee-EHL-ay), a leatherworker and harness maker, a philosopher who takes both the Knife-Grinder and Silvestro to an inn to drink wine. Ezechiele quickly takes on a symbolic nature, calling Silvestro a man who suffers for the “insulted world.” He and the Knife-Grinder show pity for Silvestro and his torment over the tumultuous Italy of Benito Mussolini (although no mention is ever made of Mussolini or Fascism). Ezechiele says of Silvestro, “He suffers for the woes of the outraged world.”
The Soldier, an unseen voice that Silvestro hears while in the village cemetery and that holds a dialogue with Silvestro. The voice represents Silvestro's younger brother, killed on one of Mussolini's wars of conquest. Silvestro asks him if he suffers, and the voice of the Soldier tells him that he does, especially because of the propaganda and monuments that are raised to the glories of war and soldiery (though the Soldier avoids naming names or giving any specifics).
Mustache and No Mustache, two Sicilians whom Silvestro meets on the train, men who typify the worst in the Sicilian character for Silvestro. They are callous toward the poor and repressive. “Every starving man is dangerous,” states No Mustache. Both characters are symbolic of the Sicilian problem in Silvestro's mind, that of lack of charity and consideration for others.