
In a modest dining room of a provincial Italian town, a sparkling comedy unfolds, balancing tenderness and satire. The first act introduces Emma, a quick‑witted housewife, and her lover Fabrizio, a young lawyer whose declarations of love tumble out in lyrical bursts. Their flirtatious exchange, full of repeated vows and playful teasing, sets a tone of both earnest affection and farcical excess.
Meanwhile, Emma’s husband Giulio, a pragmatic attorney, returns home with news of a lucrative but dubious financial deal. Their conversation reveals the undercurrents of ambition, jealousy, and the everyday struggles of a middle‑class family. As servants and children move in the background, the characters navigate the thin line between genuine feeling and self‑interest.
The piece captures the charm of late‑19th‑century Italian society, where love, money, and reputation collide in witty repartee. Its brisk dialogue and vivid characters make it a delightful listen, inviting audiences to laugh while pondering the bittersweet nature of human connections.
Language
it
Duration
~1 hours (82K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2008-04-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1847–1906
Best known today as one of the writers behind Puccini’s great operas, this Italian poet, playwright, and librettist helped shape the words of La bohème, Tosca, and Madama Butterfly. His work joined literary polish with strong feeling, making him a lasting presence in both theater and music.
View all books