"Mateo Falcone" is a short story written by French author Prosper Mérimée in 1829. It tells the tale of a Corsican man named Mateo Falcone who is known for his fierce sense of justice and loyalty to his family.
The story begins with a group of bandits who are terrorizing the Corsican countryside, stealing livestock and causing chaos. When Mateo Falcone hears about their crimes, he decides to take matters into his own hands and sets out to capture the bandits. He succeeds in capturing one of the bandits, who reveals the location of the rest of the gang.
Mateo Falcone then sets out to capture the remaining bandits, but in the process, he is betrayed by one of his own men. The traitor leads the bandits to Mateo's house, where they kill Mateo's wife and child. In a fit of rage, Mateo hunts down the bandits and kills them all, avenging the death of his family.
However, the story takes a tragic turn when Mateo is arrested and sentenced to death for the murder of the bandits. Despite his loyal and honorable actions, the law does not see things the same way and Mateo is forced to pay the ultimate price.
"Mateo Falcone" is a poignant tale of justice, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking revenge and the importance of following the law, even when it may not seem fair. At the same time, it also showcases the strength and determination of Mateo Falcone, who was willing to do whatever it took to protect his family and bring justice to those who wronged him.
Matteo Falcone
The narrative ostensibly revolved around the Corsican code of honor. In the Biblical story, however, God stays the sacrifice at the last second by substituting a lamb for Isaac. It is a story I won't soon forget. First, Fortunato does not want to help a relative to catch a fugitive situation parallel to that, where the boy refuses to help the bandit , then he defends himself against threats directed at him on behalf of his father, and afterwards the boy gives in to temptation and sells his help for a breast silver watch, which costs definitely more than one five-pound coin given to him by Gianetto. I am pursued by the yellow-collars.
Damn it, they'll be here in five minutes! Fortunato is strong enough to resist temptation only for a few moments. Act I introduces an escaping bandit, Gianetto Sanpiero, wounded and hotly pursued by gendarmes, who bought refuge in a haystack from Fortunato for five francs. His wife Giuseppa at first presented him with three daughters, which enraged him, but finally a son came whom he named Fortunato; he was the hope of the family, the inheritor of its name. As the guards prepare the litter on which they will carry Sanpiero back to town, Mateo Falcone and his wife return. He soon reappeared with a bowl of milk, which he offered to the prisoner with downcast eyes.
7. Mateo Falcone By Prosper Mérimée. Matthews, Brander. 1907. The Short
In the radio adaptation the man hunted is accused of murder whereas in the story he is a murderer. He would take aim, then the candle would be extinguished, and one minute later, in total darkness, he would fire, piercing the paper three times out of four. When I saw him, two years after the event that I am about to tell, he seemed about fifty years of age at the most. I am absolutely certain you have seen Gianetto. This feels like a dusty deleted scene from El Topo, removed becaused it makes too much sense and is far too dull. I'm quite certain you saw Gianetto. I know you have seen him.
“Mateo Falcone”, a literary analysis of the novella by Prosper Mérimée
Born: 28 September 1803. As in his best work, Mérimée chronicles the moral codes of outlaws and bandits in highly entertaining prose. But he was a Corsican, and mountain bred, and there are but few Corsican mountaineers who, if they search their memories sufficiently, cannot recall some little peccadillo, some gunshot, or dagger thrust, or such like bagatelle. Then he carefully covered over with dust the blood stains which he had noticed on the path near the house, and, this done, he lay down again in the sun with the utmost sang-froid. They had rejoined the squad of soldiers. It must be known that, in order to save himself the trouble of manuring his field, the Corsican husbandman sets fire to a piece of woodland.
And now the French version! Here, you fellows, go into the house, and see if our man is not there. The second date is today's date — the date you are citing the material. Will you let me be taken in front of his house? Far from being a natural democrat, the good savage was an egotist who dared not challenge the local tabus. You could stroll around the streets of Porto-Vecchio, proud as a peacock, and people would ask you what time it was, and you'd say, "Look at my watch. I heard "Mateo Falcone" first over a year ago on "The Weird Circle". He was said to be a loyal friend, but a dangerous enemy; in other respects he was obliging and gave alms, and he lived at peace with everybody in the district of Porto-Vecchio.
Act III brings Mateo back, and when he appears the stage is set for an explosion. One quick dagger-thrust would instantly have repaid him for the insult once and for all. . It turned out to be a major literary event. I will never do it again. .
What is the irony in the short story "Mateo Falcone"?
Mateo fired, and Fortunato fell like a rock-dead. When I heard the radio version which was chilling but nothing compared to this short story which is so unbelievably tragic! The story in brief not to spoil; Fortunato is the son of Mateo Falcone of Corsica and after only girls born to the couple; a boy to carry on the family name and all the pride that goes with it. But why should such an idea cross his mind? On an autumn day, Mateo Falcone and his wife visit the fields to inspect their flocks, leaving their home under the care of Fortunato, their ten-year-old son. Giuseppa ran after Mateo and seized him by the arm. Other gunshots followed at irregular intervals, coming closer all the time.
I shall have a mass sung for him. He handed her the gun that was slung over his shoulder, which might get in the way. We've had a long haul today, but, although we're exhausted, there's no call to feel sorry for us, for we've made a splendid catch. He gives his son time for two more prayers, one of which is litany. Fortunato did not reach out his hand, but, smiling bitterly, said to him, "What are you trying to put over? But is Merimee really suspending judgment? A man is safe only as long as he has weapons and ammunition. The ending of the story is intriguing with an unexpected conclusion.
