Question 1

How can we express this exact same idea using the pronominal verb avercela?

Accepted Answer

You could say Non capivo perché lui ce l'avesse tanto. The expression avercela means to be angry or hold a grudge against someone. Just like provasse, you have to conjugate the core verb (avere) in the imperfect subjunctive, which gives us ce l'avesse.

Question 2

Why is the verb provasse in the imperfect subjunctive?

Accepted Answer

The phrase non capivo perché sets up an indirect question based on a lack of understanding or uncertainty in the past. Verbs of thinking or knowing often trigger the subjunctive when they are negative (like non capire or non sapere). Because the main verb capivo is in a past tense, the dependent verb must be in the imperfect subjunctive.

Question 3

Why is the subject pronoun lui explicitly stated here?

Accepted Answer

While Italian usually drops subject pronouns, using lui here provides a clear contrast between the two subjects in the sentence: the hidden io who didn't understand, and the lui who felt the resentment. It emphasizes exactly who was holding the grudge.

Question 4

Could I use molto instead of tanto here?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you could say molto rancore (a lot of resentment). However, tanto often carries a slightly stronger emotional weight, translating closer to 'so much resentment,' which fits well with the intensity of a word like rancore. Both act as adjectives here and must agree with the masculine singular noun.

Non capivo perché lui provasse tanto rancore.

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