Vecchie storie d'amore

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

38628

Title

Vecchie storie d'amore

Language

it

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Adolfo Albertazzi's *Vecchie storie d'amore* explores the timeless nature of human passion through three distinct tales set in 19th-century Italy. Blending psychological observation with witty satire, the collection examines the complexities of courtship, the dangers of suspicion, and the redemptive power of love, offering a charming yet insightful look at social customs and the enduring mysteries of the heart.

Summary up to 500 words

Adolfo Albertazzi's *Vecchie storie d'amore* (Old Love Stories) is a collection of tales that reimagines classic fabliau-style narratives through a modern psychological lens. Published in 1895, the work explores the timeless nature of human passions against the backdrop of shifting social customs. Albertazzi's introduction asserts that while human emotions remain constant, the attitudes and expressions of the spirit evolve. The collection balances romantic sentiment with sharp wit, satirizing rigid social codes while celebrating the resilience of love against personal doubt and convention. The opening story, *Il Polso* (The Pulse), centers on Count La Fratta, a devoted servant to the capricious Marchesa Arnisio. For a year, the Count struggles to determine if her erratic behavior stems from boredom or hidden affection. He observes her migraines, her shifting moods, and her ambiguous glances, wondering if she possesses a heart at all. Following the advice of the witty Abate Fantelli, the Count checks the Marchesa's pulse during one of her headaches. He discovers that her heart races not for a rival suitor, but for her own husband, the Marquis Arnisio. Overcome with jealousy and wounded pride, the Count challenges the Marquis to a duel. However, the Marquis reveals he knew the truth all along. He accepts the Count's declaration of love as a noble gesture, resolving the conflict with grace and humor. The story concludes with the Marchesa confessing her love to her husband, proving her devotion through a supreme act of sacrifice. The second tale, *La Salvazione di Fra' Gerunzio* (The Salvation of Brother Gerunzio), recounts the spiritual journey of a friar who flees his monastery to succumb to temptation. Upon entering the cell of a prostitute, he is miraculously cured of his leprosy, illustrating the theme of redemption through faith and the consequences of abandoning one's vows. The third story, *Agnesina la Fantasima*, follows a Venetian gentleman's passionate pursuit of a woman whose elusive nature tests his devotion, highlighting the complexities of desire and the elusive nature of the beloved. Throughout the collection, Albertazzi employs a psychological approach to analyze the internal struggles of his characters. He avoids archaic styles in favor of a modern narrative voice that seeks to explain the motivations behind actions, aiming to reveal the truth of customs and life without fear of being deemed immoral. The work ultimately portrays love not merely as a social game, but as a profound force capable of transcending social hierarchy and personal insecurity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Short Stories
• Fiction