Rosinella's Complex Character and Family Dynamics
Rosinella emerges as a complex character driven by her traditional Italian family values and deep love for her family, particularly her daughter-in-law Lucia. Her actions and beliefs reveal a multifaceted personality shaped by cultural pride, prejudice, and a desire for control.
Rosinella's love for Lucia is evident in her actions, such as buying her a dress instead of a coat for herself. This demonstrates her selfless nature, but also hints at her tendency to be possessive. Her statement, "My Lucia's to marry a man that really loves HER," underscores her protective instincts and desire to control Lucia's future.
Quote: "Oh, but when I saw that wee dress I just had to get her it"
This quote illustrates Rosinella's impulsive generosity towards Lucia, highlighting the depth of her affection.
Rosinella's traditional values are evident in her views on marriage and family. She believes in the importance of marrying for love, as she did with Massimo, and wants the same for Lucia. Her family-oriented nature is clear in her treatment of Lucia as her own child.
Highlight: Rosinella's traditional and family-oriented mindset significantly influences her actions and relationships within the family.
However, Rosinella's love can be controlling and her traditional values often manifest as prejudice. She actively tries to keep Bridget and Franco apart and prevents Lucia from seeing Hughie, demonstrating her desire to maintain what she perceives as proper cultural boundaries.
Quote: "Franco, he's Italian, he's played around a wee bit with some Scotch girls, so what?"
This statement reveals Rosinella's double standards and prejudice against non-Italians, particularly Scottish women.
Rosinella's pride in her Italian heritage is a defining characteristic. She believes Italian men are superior workers and that Italians contribute positively to Scotland. This patriotic sentiment, however, often translates into prejudice against non-Italians.
Quote: "Italians are good for this country. We stick together, pay our own way, stick to the laws. What more do they want?"
This quote encapsulates Rosinella's pride in her cultural identity and her belief in the superiority of Italian values.
The impact of Rosinella's prejudice on relationships is significant, particularly in her interactions with Bridget. During an argument, Bridget reveals she aborted Franco's baby, highlighting the deep-seated consequences of Rosinella's biases.
Quote: "You made me believe that I was nothing to him - just a wee Scottish tart for him to practice on"
This powerful statement from Bridget underscores the emotional damage caused by Rosinella's prejudiced attitudes.
