Chapters 12 - 13 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 12

The chapter opens in September and autumn. Carlo describes the beginnings of the change in the landscape. Along the valley is Giulia's town, Sant' Arcangelo. He recounts the local legend of its founding. The townspeople believe that there is no real division between the human world and that of animals and monsters. All creatures in Gagliano have a dual nature. The town, for instance, believes the some of the town's men are werewolves. The dual nature is tarrying but also creates a sense of respect, as if it had a divine element. This leads Carlo to tell us that the townspeople greatly respect Barone, treating him as a "heraldic animal," and Carlo tells us how he came to have Barone.

Barone's origin is a mystery. Some railroad employees found him on a train between Naples and Taranto. Barone...