A. Initial Thoughts
I quite liked this book. Moravia’s straightforward writing, reflecting the post-WW2 shift to realism discussed in lecture, appealed to me. It felt fresh, especially compared to the flowery language in “Combray”. Additionally, I appreciated that the book primarily used internal monologue instead of dialogue. This provided a deep dive into Agostino’s (or “Pisa’s”) inner world, giving us an introspective view into his journey from boyhood to adulthood. In contrast, I found “The Shrouded Woman” less appealing due to its heavy reliance on dialogue, which often felt extremely cluttered and made it difficult to grasp the characters’ nature.
B. Important Themes: Loss of Innocence and Exploring Adulthood
The story starts with 13 year old Agostino and his mother on their summer trip in Italy. The mother, described as a “big” woman, embodies both a physical and metaphorical largeness in Agostino’s life. This characterization, alongside Agostino’s declaration that he would “follow her anywhere, even to the bottom of the sea” (Moravia 4), illustrates the depth of his attachment on her, positioning her as the central figure in his life. Their daily routine of visiting Vespucci beach is a symbol of the simplicity and predictability of Agostino’s childhood, a safe and familiar environment where his innocent relationship with his mother remains unchallenged. However, the young man who garners his mother’s interest disrupts this stability. Agostino’s subsequent “unconscious desire to make his mother suffer” (Moravia 2) marks the onset of his emotional conflict, signalling a departure from the innocence of childhood as he grapples with feelings of jealousy.
To escape witnessing his mother’s new romantic interest, Agostino befriends Berto, a local boy from a poorer background. This friendship, deemed as a “justified form of revenge” (Moravia 21) against his mother, represents Agostino’s initial step into a broader, tumultuous world, signifying his transition towards manhood. Berto introduces Agostino to his friends at Speranza beach, which means “hope” in Italian. Here, Agostino is surrounded by new peers and an older (and disturbing) man named Saro and endures their teasing about his mother’s attractiveness and relationship with the young man. The boys’ revelations about Agostino’s mother complicates his perception of her, and his simple filial affection for her becomes intertwined with an emerging sexual awareness. This newfound awareness leads to a pivotal shift in Agostino’s relationship with his mother, where the “innocent fervor [of] his mother’s kisses and trusting sleep” is replaced by “the burning, shameful indiscretion” (Moravia 71), illustrating the transformation of his innocent love into a complex mix of desire and shame.
C. Concluding Thoughts
One thing I noticed in this book was the settings. In the story, Vespucci and Speranza beach symbolize Agostino’s growth from childhood into adolescence. Vespucci beach represents a secure haven for Agostino, evoking memories of his affectionate bond with his mother. Speranza beach, which means “hope” in Italian, marks Agostino’s transition into the unpredictable journey of adolescence, moving him away from the once familiar and comforting Vespucci beach. I think Speranza embodies his hope to confront his challenges of maturing; such as navigating changing feelings—especially that towards his mother—after losing “his original [innocent] identity” (Moravia 78). These beaches show the journey Agostino takes, not just physically moving from one place to another, but also psychogically, as he navigates the process of growing up.
D. Questions for Discussion
Q: Why do you think Moravia added the storyline of Agostino and Saro on the boat? Do you think it was necessary for Agostino’s journey?
Q: Why do you think the boys of the group always teased and made fun of Agostino? Agostino attributes this to his social class, do you think this is true?
‘The mother, described as a “big” woman, embodies both a physical and metaphorical largeness in Agostino’s life.’
Yes, I think this is a good point… she “looms large,” as it were, in his psyche. And perhaps his struggle is in part from some space apart from her… and yet he finds it hard to leave her protective shadow.