Sommario
In La Plebe, Parte IV (1869), Vittorio Bersezio concludes his social novel with "La Catastrofe," where Maurilio, now the Marchese di Baldissero’s secretary, grapples with his unrequited love for Virginia, who loves the wounded Francesco Benda.
The duel between Francesco and Ettore di Baldissero leads to Ettore’s arrest and Francesco’s injury, while Virginia’s attempt to visit Francesco is thwarted by her uncle. The Gattona schemes to profit from secrets about Maurilio’s origins, and the cocca’s members face execution, with Gian-Luigi taking his own life and Zoe vowing revenge.
On his deathbed, Maurilio secures the Marchese’s promise for Virginia and Francesco’s marriage and entrusts Gognino’s care, dying with a mystical vision of the afterlife. The novel ends with the surviving characters joining the Italian unification movement, reflecting themes of class reform, love, and patriotism.