The introductory section of A Vendetta perfectly sets the scene for the rest of the story in a number of ways.

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Sally Bryan 10B2                                                                                  16th March 2004

A Vendetta

The introductory section of A Vendetta perfectly sets the scene for the rest of the story in a number of ways. The actual title, “ A Vendetta,” means to want revenge, or to hold a grudge against a person. This, as we explore further on in the story, is exactly what the theme is about. The writer uses a varied use of language in order to paint an image in our minds of where the widow lives. He portrays an image of a savage, dangerous place that is situated by the sea,

“The town built on a mountain spur, in some places actually overhangs the sea.”

        The opening sentence of this section introduces us to the woman, but we are not given a name for her,

“Paolo Saverini’s widow lived alone with her son.”

This continues throughout the story as the woman is constantly referred to as “ the widow.” By referring to her as the widow, it gives me a sense of almost evilness and suspicion, like the woman deserves no name, or she does not want her name to be known in case it gets her in to trouble. Also, in the opening sentence, we are given an image of an innocent old lady, who lives innocently in her small cottage,

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“In a tiny cottage on the ramparts of Bonifacio.”

This desirable image however is turned around in the remaining part of the story, as we find out that the old lady is anything but innocent.

        The writer then moves on to describe the actual area where the widow is living in more detail. He portrays an image of a harsh, brutal area, which is a depressing place to live in,

“A gash in the cliff like a gigantic passage.”

The word “gash” is significant to the rest of the story. It represents, to me, the gash in the dummy’s neck ...

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