Explanations 
Flashcards 
StudySmarter AI 
Notes 
Study Plans 
Study Sets 
Exams 
Magazine 
Find a job 
Mobile App 
Jump to a key chapter
Il giorno della civetta by Leonardo Sciascia: Overview
Il giorno della civetta is a novel written by Leonardo Sciascia, an Italian author. The book gives an in-depth look into the workings of the Mafia in Sicily and is considered a pivotal piece in Italian literature.
Plot Summary
The novel begins with the murder of Salvatore Colasberna, a building contractor who refused to pay bribes to the Mafia. The police, led by Captain Bellodi, investigate the crime. The story unravels through the perspectives of various characters, revealing the deep intrigues of Mafia influence and corruption.
- The captain tries to uncover the truth despite facing numerous obstacles
- Several witnesses, fearing for their lives, refuse to speak
- The Mafia's reach into political and economic spheres becomes apparent
The title, Il giorno della civetta, translates to 'The Day of the Owl' in English.
Main Themes
The novel explores several key themes that are crucial to understanding its impact:
- Corruption: The pervasive influence of the Mafia in various aspects of society
- Justice: The struggle of honest individuals to pursue justice
- Fear: How fear silences witnesses and hampers investigations
Leonardo Sciascia was known for his critical views on the Mafia and the state. His works often reflect his concerns about morality, justice, and the socio-political issues in Sicily. He uses his characters and plot to critique the failings of governmental institutions and societal complacency.
Character Analysis
Captain Bellodi: An honest and idealistic police officer from the mainland, determined to fight the Mafia. His character represents the struggle against corruption.Salvatore Colasberna: The murder victim whose death sets the plot in motion. His refusal to comply with the Mafia's demands makes him a symbol of resistance.
Example of Bellodi's determination: Despite threats and pressure, Bellodi continues his investigation, showing his unwavering commitment to justice. He questions suspects relentlessly and pursues leads that others might have ignored.
Cultural Impact
Il giorno della civetta had a significant impact on Italian literature and culture. It opened up conversations about the Mafia and its operations in Sicily. The novel’s realistic portrayal of crime and corruption challenged the public to confront these issues more directly.
It also inspired other writers and filmmakers to explore similar themes, contributing to a broader understanding of Mafia dynamics.
Mafia: A criminal organization that originated in Sicily and is known for its secretive operations, illegal activities, and influence over local politics and businesses.
Themes in Il giorno della civetta
Il giorno della civetta deals with several key themes that offer a thorough understanding of its narrative and cultural context. These themes are central to the book's exploration of Sicilian society and the pervasive influence of the Mafia.
Corruption
Corruption is a fundamental theme in Il giorno della civetta. The novel delves into how the Mafia's influence extends into various spheres of society, including politics and business.
Example of corruption: Various characters in the novel show how the Mafia uses bribery and coercion to maintain control. Public officials are often depicted as being either complicit or powerless against the Mafia's reach.
Sciascia uses the setting and characters to draw parallels with real-life events in Sicily.
Justice
An underlying thread in the narrative is the quest for justice. Captain Bellodi, the protagonist, represents the voice of justice, striving to uncover the truth amidst systemic corruption.
Captain Bellodi's character is crucial for understanding Sciascia's commentary on the justice system. His efforts to solve the case, despite facing numerous hurdles, highlight the difficulties encountered when law enforcement tries to confront deeply ingrained criminal organisations.
Fear
The theme of fear is prevalent throughout the novel. Fear silences witnesses, deters whistleblowers, and perpetuates the Mafia's control over Sicilian society.
Example of fear: Several witnesses who could help the investigation choose to remain silent due to threats from the Mafia. Their fear illustrates the power the Mafia holds over individuals.
Fear is used as a tool by the Mafia to ensure loyalty and compliance.
Il giorno della civetta Characters
The characters in Il giorno della civetta are intricately crafted to bring out the themes of corruption, justice, and fear in Sicilian society influenced by the Mafia. Each character plays a significant role in unfolding the story’s narrative.
Captain Bellodi
Captain Bellodi is an upright and determined police officer who arrives from the mainland to investigate the murder of Salvatore Colasberna. His character epitomises the fight against Mafia corruption and the quest for justice.
Example of Bellodi’s determination: Bellodi continues to chase leads and question suspects despite receiving threats, underscoring his commitment to uncovering the truth.
Salvatore Colasberna
Salvatore Colasberna is a building contractor whose refusal to pay Mafia bribes leads to his murder, which sets the storyline in motion. His death becomes the focal point for the investigation led by Captain Bellodi.
Colasberna’s murder reflects the reality of many individuals who stood up against Mafia demands.
Don Mariano Arena
Don Mariano Arena is a notable Mafia boss in the novel. He wields significant power and influence, which makes it difficult for the law enforcement officers to bring him to justice despite their efforts.
Arena’s character showcases the deep roots of Mafia influence in political and economic structures. His interactions with other characters reveal the complexities of dismantling Mafia networks.
Mrs Nicolosi
Mrs Nicolosi is a witness in the murder case who provides critical information to Captain Bellodi. Her fear of Mafia retribution highlights the pervasive climate of silence that shields criminal activities.
Example of Mrs Nicolosi’s fear: Despite her crucial testimony, she is overtaken by anxiety about the potential consequences of speaking out, portraying the Mafia’s power to instil fear in individuals.
Witnesses like Mrs Nicolosi demonstrate the challenges faced in prosecuting Mafia crimes.
Il giorno della civetta Riassunto per Capitoli
Il giorno della civetta by Leonardo Sciascia is a compelling read that delves into the complexities of Mafia influence in Sicily. By breaking the novel down into chapters, you will gain a curated understanding of the plot dynamics and character developments.
Il giorno della civetta Plot Explained
The novel initiates with the murder of Salvatore Colasberna, which sets the investigative plot in motion. Captain Bellodi from the mainland takes charge of the investigation, facing numerous challenges.
- The investigation reveals the Mafia's involvement, complicating Bellodi's task.
- Inaction and fear among witnesses hinder progress.
- Bellodi's persistence brings him close to the truth but at a personal cost.
Example: When Captain Bellodi questions Don Mariano Arena, the Mafia boss artfully evades direct answers, testing Bellodi's resolve and highlighting Mafia's manipulative tactics.
Il giorno della civetta sheds light on the confrontation between law enforcement and organised crime in a seemingly lawful society.
Analisi Il giorno della civetta
Understanding Il giorno della civetta requires an analysis of its thematic elements and narrative structure. The novel touches on themes of justice, corruption, and fear through a meticulously crafted plot.
- Corruption: The novel showcases the deep-seated corruption within Sicilian society as influenced by the Mafia.
- Fear: Fear is a pervasive theme, affecting witnesses and characters’ actions.
- Justice: Bellodi's determination to uncover the truth underscores the pursuit of justice against overwhelming odds.
Through its characters and settings, Il giorno della civetta represents a microcosm of societal struggles against Mafia domination. It portrays the intricate balance between ethical integrity and survival in a society overshadowed by organised crime.
Il giorno della civetta Riassunto: Key Events
The plot unfolds through a series of pivotal events that reveal the complexities of the investigation and the Mafia's grip on society. Understanding these key events helps in grasping the novel's narrative.
| Chapter 1: | Salvatore Colasberna is murdered. The investigation begins. |
| Chapter 3: | Captain Bellodi arrives and starts his inquiries. |
| Chapter 5: | Witnesses are questioned, but fear impedes their cooperation. |
| Chapter 7: | Bellodi interrogates Don Mariano Arena. |
| Chapter 10: | The investigation faces political interference, and Bellodi's efforts are sidelined. |
Example: In Chapter 3, Bellodi's first interactions with the local police and witnesses highlight the societal fear prevalent in Sicilian towns under Mafia influence.
Il giorno della civetta Characters: Roles and Significance
The characters in Il giorno della civetta are richly layered and significant to the unfolding of the story’s narrative. Each character plays a crucial role, contributing to the overarching theme of battling Mafia influence.
Captain Bellodi: The mainland police officer leading the investigation. His determination represents the pursuit of justice.
Deepdive: Captain Bellodi’s outsider status highlights the challenges faced by external forces attempting to combat entrenched Mafia systems.
Salvatore Colasberna: The initial murder victim, representing defiance against Mafia extortion.
Example of Arcangelo Ganzerati: An experienced and sceptical police officer who offers insight into the inner workings of Mafia influence in Sicily.
Salvatore Colasberna’s murder is a catalyst that exposes the widespread reach and impact of the Mafia in Sicilian society.
Il giorno della civetta - Key takeaways
- Il giorno della civetta: A novel by Leonardo Sciascia that explores the Mafia's influence in Sicily.
- Plot Summary: The story starts with the murder of Salvatore Colasberna, leading to an investigation by Captain Bellodi.
- Main Themes: Corruption, Justice, and Fear, which highlight the Mafia's control and societal impact.
- Character Analysis: Focuses on Captain Bellodi, Salvatore Colasberna, Don Mariano Arena, and Mrs Nicolosi, each representing key aspects of the struggle against the Mafia.
- Cultural Impact: The novel significantly impacted Italian literature and culture, prompting discussions on Mafia influence in Sicily.
Learn faster with the 12 flashcards about Il giorno della civetta
Sign up for free to gain access to all our flashcards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Il giorno della civetta
About StudySmarter
StudySmarter is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Learn more