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Cavalleria rusticana
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Italian:
ā€œRustic Chivalryā€
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Cavalleria rusticana

work by Verga
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History

Cavalleria rusticana, short story by Giovanni Verga, written in verismo style and published in 1880. The authorā€™s adaptation of the story into a one-act tragedy (produced in 1884) was his greatest success as a playwright.

(Read Sir Walter Scottā€™s 1824 Britannica essay on chivalry.)

On his return to his village from army service, Turiddu Macca discovers that his sweetheart, Lola, is bethrothed to Alfio. Spitefully, Turiddu begins a flirtation with Santa, the daughter of his employer. Jealous of this new relationship, Lola takes Turiddu as a lover. Santa informs Alfio of Lolaā€™s infidelity. Alfio challenges Turiddu to a duel to the death, and Turiddu is killed.

The Italian composer Pietro Mascagni used this material as the basis for his one-act opera (1890) of the same name.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.