Aahana Swrup
‘The Leopard’ follows the story of a Sicilian aristocrat whose way of life threatens to come to an end with the rise of Garibaldi’s Unification of Italy movement in the 1860s. Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina, remains optimistic in his reign even as a new socio-political order is threatening to knock down his door. Yet, he and his family eventually have to begrudgingly accept defeat as the era of the royals and the nobleman enter its twilight years. Amidst these changing times, Fabrizio is faced with a choice as his nephew, Tancredi, vies to win over the hand of Angelica, the daughter of Sedara, a vulgar—but newly wealthy man. As the Prince agrees to bless his favored ward’s choices, he indirectly delivers his beloved daughter, Concetta, to an insurmountable heartbreak.
The journey Fabrizio undertakes throughout the narrative remains difficult and complicated. Yet, even while the value of his title and social rank withers—and his own loved ones give him reason for doubt—he continues to be able to rely on the loyalty of his furry companion, Bendicò, the Great Dane. Consequently, the dog’s presence in the narrative undoubtedly remains a perpetual point of interest.
Bendicò, the Dog, Remains by Fabrizio’s Side Until the Bitter End
Bendicò is introduced to the story right alongside Fabrizio Corbera, who takes the dog with him when he travels to fetch his daughter, Concetta, from her stay at the covenant. While the scene is meant to highlight the close relationship between the Prince and his favorite daughter, it also underlines the fondness he holds for his four-legged pal. The same sentiment is evoked numerous times when Bendicò keeps Fabrizio company through various other scenarios. The dog also seems to sport an affinity to Concetta, who is as at ease around him as her father.
Concetta and Bendicò’s easy friendship underlines the thematic similarities between the daughter and her father. Even though the other family members, including Paolo, Fabrizio’s actual heir, are obviously used to the dog’s presence, the young woman’s relationship with her remains distinct. This serves to further the narrative that Concetta remains her father’s most-liked among his siblings. As the years pass, and the hair on Fabrizio’s head goes gray, Bendicò remains a crucial part of his family, always eagerly awaiting his return whenever he takes a more arduous journey.
Bendicò is there for her master when his heir tragically passes away, and she offers him comfort when his daughter decides to entertain a marriage that would take her far away from Sicily. Likewise, she’s also there when—after a return from a climactic ball—Fabrizio collapses in his estate’s garden with Concetta by his side. As the family mourns the reality of the Prince’s growing brain tumor, which puts him on his deathbed, Bendicò continues to offer Fabrizio her company. Inevitably, he passes away, leaving his family—and Bendicò—to grieve.
In a montage that swings in and out of Fabrizio’s funeral and the future that awaits his family, Bendicò can still be seen with the Corberas. She is thoroughly oldened and littered with gray fur. In a way, her diminishing form—though she outlives Fabrizio—becomes representative of the ending days of society’s old order. Nonetheless, the Great Dane’s persistent survival showcases the influence and legacy that the Prince leaves behind even in his death and the metaphorical death of the aristocrats. Ultimately, Bendicò lives a long and happy life and remains loyal to her master until the very end.
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