SOURCE: An introduction to The She-Wolf, and Other Stories, by Giovanni Verga, translated by Giovanni Cecchetti, revised edition, University of California Press, 1973, pp. v-xx.

In the following excerpt, Cecchetti probes the motivating forces behind Verga's characters. The critic then describes Verga's search for a new, completely impersonal narrative form, which, Cecchetti argues, "helped [Verga to reject worn-out expressive patterns, approach reality more directly, and achieve an often naked but always lyrical prose."]

One of the recurrent themes in the writings of Verga's second period is economic. His people are constantly engaged in a struggle for the most elementary means of survival. Their incessant need for material security often determines their actions and leads them to tragedy and ruin.

The novel / Malavoglia tells of a family of Sicilian fishermen prompted to speculate on a cargo of lupins to better their lot. But unfortunate circumstances bring about the loss of...