Mad Toy is a story that evoked many emotions from me. From sadness, frustration, and unfairness, the harshness of reality was always apparent. Roberto Arlt did an excellent job allowing readers to understand Silvio’s character, as his emotions are elaborate and consistently intense. To be honest, the jumble of stories made my heart sink further and further. Once things started to look up, it would come crashing down. Silvio’s inner monologue drove this feeling further, from him saying things he cannot admit to his mother — “Don’t talk about money Mama, please” —to his frustration in the cards dealt in his life — “How can I study, if I have to learn a trade to make a living?” It was heartbreaking and made me quite sad. Despite these feelings, I tried to find the motive why the author wrote this short novel, the true meaning or takeaway.

There could be many things he can be addressing. Was it the cruel reality of poverty that is unfailingly perpetuated in a capitalistic society? The influences of dysfunctional relationships? The journey to find your true morals or purpose in life? Glory or betrayal? Again, there’s so much that can be made from this story. Personally, I believe there is no wrong answer. There is not just a sole reason or theme in this story, as it all connects to life. Repeated again and again within this narrative is “that’s life.” Life is complicated and harsh, and it is quite jarring to realize when you grow up. From Silvia desiring a sort of escape and thrill through being a “thief” to him having to provide for his family at the mere age of 15 — it’s shocking. What makes me sad is Silvio’s denial of him being young: “I’m not a boy. I’m sixteen years old.” Given the circumstances, he had to grow up faster, and if we connect it to our life circumstances — being young university students — it seems crazy. 

Having to grow up can be a bitter, confusing, and resentful experience. It is draining and is filled with sometimes too many hurdles to overcome. We can see this with Silvio’s resentment, his suicidal ideals, his decisions like betrayal, and the side characters. But again, many of us will brush it off with the saying, “That’s life.” We cannot directly control the systems we are embedded within, so the most reasonable we can do is make the best of it. Though Silvio got some kind of success in the end, it left me bittersweet. Life did not go the way he planned, but that’s how life goes, right? 

My take on this story might be too bleak, but I believe it might be more realistic. Times have changed, however, so this may not be all true.

Discussion question: How closely connected do you think the phrase “That’s life” is within the story? Did the story bring about any sad emotions for you too?

(Please leave your comments in the “leave your thought” section below!)