In a small Sicilian village, Turiddu returns from the war after a three year absence. He is eager to meet with his sweetheart Lola and marry her as agreed upon by the two lovers before the war. Although happy to see her son come back alive from the war, Turiddu's mother warns him that things have changed in the village since the beginning of the war. She informs her son that Lola, tired of waiting for Turiddu, married another man in the village, Alfio. Alfio owns a small business and is a good provider for Lola who seems to cherish material things in a society plagued by poverty. Initially, Turiddu expresses his disappointment at the news but decides to act with maturity and he wishes Lola and Alfio luck in their marriage. He even invites the newlyweds to his family's wine bodega where he and other villagers toast to the fortune and happiness of the bride and groom.