Verga Response

Pina resembles the classic example of wanting what we cant have. At first Nanni was able to resist her approaches, instead wanting to marry her daughter, but once they were married, he was vulnerable to Pina's "coal-black eyes" (6). The temptation and desire for something increases upon it being forbidden. Pina's enticing beauty is more deceptive after she seemingly weakens her approaches for Nanni by marrying her daughter off to him. But it was her plan all along. She knew the powers of temptation for the forbidden fruit. By marrying her daughter off to Nanni, Pina was tempting him into her trap. Nanni's desire subsequently increased for Pina and their relationship quickly progressed sexually. As their actions continue, Pina begins to attract devilish characteristics. Her approaches pierce through Nanni and break him down as he falls into her grasp. Verga is outlining Pina as sin. The temptation of sin is a thriving force in Nanni, "'It's the temptation of hell!'" (7). Nanni doesn't specifically desire to go to hell, but is admitting the greatest pleasures are sins. Adultery and incest are two prominent sins. They represent the temptation for the forbidden fruit. Temptation is the driving force to sin and consequently the path to hell. Pina isn't the devil herself, but the sin that results in meeting the devil in the after-life.