The Italian

Set in 1758 Naples, the story follows Vincentio di Vivaldi, who becomes infatuated with the beautiful Ellena di Rosalba. His desire to marry her faces opposition from his mother, the Marchesa, who disapproves of Ellena's status as a poor orphan. To thwart their romance, she enlists the help of Father Schedoni, a manipulative confessor, promising to aid his ambitions within the church. The narrative explores themes of love, social class, and the influence of familial and religious authority on personal desires.