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. In the following months, Turiddu meets and starts courting Santuzza, a young beautiful girl who happens to live next door from Lola and Alfio. Things seem to work out for everyone until Lola, bored with her new husband, starts throwing herself at her old flame Turiddu who resists the temptation, knowing that Lola is now a married woman. However, Lola persists and Turiddu's defenses crumble. When Alfio leaves the village on a nine day business trip, his unfaithful wife Lola and her old flame Turiddu commence a passionate love affair. However, Santuzza who gets wind of it all and is pregnant with Turiddu's child tries to put a stop to the affair pleading with Turiddu to forget Lola. On Easter Day, while the whole village prepares for the church mass and the traditional festivities, Alfio returns home from his trip. Santuzza tries again to plead with Turiddu who gets angry, slaps her and calls her mad. While Turiddu and Lola head for the church mass, a devastated Santuzza cries uncontrollably in front of the church. When Alfio hurries to the church mass, Santuzza reveals everything to him. An enraged and betrayed Alfio swears vengeance on the man who dishonored his wife and his marriage. After the church mass, while festivities in the village begin, Alfio seeks Turiddu and demands satisfaction Sicilian-style.