Italian 145 Name:
Views of Italy: Italians and the Mafia Section:

Testagrossa Agrees – Giuseppe Ernesto Nuccio (1911)
Part II.
1. Describe the various physical details given of the character Serpenera and contrast them with what he tells Testagrossa. How does the author use this physical description and Testagrossa’s reaction to tell us something about the boy’s true character, personality and lifestyle? Finally, what three different tactics or approaches does Serpenera use to try to persuade Testagrossa to join his gang?
Part III.
2. Describe the specific memories of childhood that Testagrossa recalls and give your interpretation of them. What do think they are suggesting about the fate of Testagrossa’s parents and what impact do you think these family experiences have had on Testagrossa’s current life, his values and his social status?
Parts V-VII.
3. Briefly describe the relationship that the audience has with the performance at the Opera dei pupi (Puppet Theater) in general and how this connection climaxes toward the show’s end. What significant psychological effect does the show have on Testagrossa at the very end and how does this influence a few crucial decisions Testagrossa makes in the theater? What is the end result of these choices for Testagrossa?
4. Describe in detail the demeanor of the inspector that interrogates Testagrossa once he is arrested, giving specific textual examples from the text of what is said. Do you think that judging someone based on appearance or family background was unusual in Palermo in the early 1900s and do you think that this is prevalent today in the United States or elsewhere in the world? How does this treatment affect Testagrossa and why do you think it is so