Little Assuntina, born into a Neapolitan family, as she grows up begins to speak with a strict Milanese dialect. This very strange anomaly throws the relatives into despair. Over the years, despite attempts to correct it, Assuntina with her language will worsen further, so much so that she will be given the nickname of "Cotoletta" and will refuse to adapt to any Neapolitan tradition, also refusing the typical sweets of the city for those of the capital Lombard.
All further attempts by family and friends will be in vain, as will the long stay that they will make her do in Torre Annunziata to let her study the true Neapolitan language with her uncles, commoners who speak only in a very narrow dialect.
When she reaches twenty, Assuntina becomes pregnant.
